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Orthodox Nuns Accused of Being Under the Influence of a "Satanic" Estonian State Authority by Sergei Metlev
Breaking: Bill in Estonia's Parliament Aims to Cut Ties with Moscow Patriarchate
Stirring up a whirlwind, Estonia's parliament, the Riigikogu, is taking a bold stance against the Moscow Patriarchate. A bill proposed could potentially end the Patriarchate's influence in Estonia, a country where it cozies up closely with the Kremlin. This move comes with a guarantee of upholding the freedom of religion for all.
Speaking about the bill, the abbess of the Kuremäe Convent, not one to mince words, issued a scathing statement likening Estonia's government to a "soul thief," as reported by Sergei Metlev, chief editor of the Russian-language publications of Postimees.
As we delve further, let's look at the current standing of the Moscow Patriarchate in Estonia. In a decisive move on April 9, 2025, the Estonian government enacted a law aimed at distancing the Estonian Orthodox Church from the Moscow Patriarchate, citing national security concerns due to Russia's ongoing geopolitical conflicts and the war in Ukraine [1][2]. This legislation, known as the “Law for the Prevention of the Instrumentalization of Religious Organizations to Incite Hatred or Violence,” bars foreign entities from exerting undue control over Estonian religious organizations if they threaten national security, the constitutional order, or public peace [1][5].
The Moscow Patriarchate's close ties with the Kremlin have raised alarms among Estonian officials. This proximity is particularly noticeable under Patriarch Kirill, who has openly endorsed Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This alignment has fueled concerns about the Kremlin's clandestine influence in Estonian institutions, prompting the Estonian government to take action [3][5].
While there isn't any specific outcry in the search results regarding reactions to this bill, the move by the Estonian government reflects a broader geopolitical strategy to safeguard national institutions from foreign interference. The Estonian Minister of the Interior, Igor Taro, asserted that the law bolsters religious freedom by stopping religion from being used against the Estonian state or people, confirming a firm stance against foreign meddling [1]. The bill's approval suggests substantial support within Estonia for reducing Moscow's influence, though specific responses from the Moscow Patriarchate or individual clergymen are not detailed in the available reports.
In the future, the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (MPEÕK) may be required to break all administrative, financial, and spiritual ties with the Moscow Patriarchate under the new law [1][2]. One plausible solution for the MPEÕK could be switching its patriarchate to fall under the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, enabling the church to preserve its religious traditions while gaining complete independence from Moscow [2]. This approach mirrors actions taken by the Orthodox Church of Latvia, which severed ties with the Moscow Patriarchate in 2022 [2].
- The Riigikogu, Estonia's parliament, is currently considering a bill that aims to cut ties with the Moscow Patriarchate, a move that could potentially end the Patriarchate's influence in Estonia.
- The abbess of the Kuremäe Convent, in a scathing statement, compared Estonia's government to a "soul thief," a term used by Sergei Metlev, the chief editor of the Russian-language publications of Postimees, to describe the government's actions.
- The policy-and-legislation, known as the “Law for the Prevention of the Instrumentalization of Religious Organizations to Incite Hatred or Violence,” was enacted on April 9, 2025, to distance the Estonian Orthodox Church from the Moscow Patriarchate, due to national security concerns and the ongoing geopolitical conflicts between Russia and Ukraine.
- The Estonian Minister of the Interior, Igor Taro, asserted that the law bolsters religious freedom by stopping religion from being used against the Estonian state or people, signifying a firm stance against foreign meddling in politics and general-news.
