Tallinn authorities have doubled the rent for the premises occupied by the Estonian Orthodox Church (EOC) of the Moscow Patriarchate (MP), the Estonian broadcasting company ERR reported.
Officials explained their decision by the fact that the EPC MP continues to use the premises, despite the demand of the country's parliament to sever canonical ties with the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC). The Kesklin District Council in Tallinn indicated that until the EPC vacates the premises, it will be billed for damages at market value.
On April 17, 2024, the Tallinn City authorities sent the EPC a notice of termination of the lease agreement. According to it, the church is obliged to leave the premises by July 21, 2024. However, the EPC MP appealed this decision in court. Until the court verdict is rendered, the EPC MP will continue to pay increased rent.
Meanwhile, the government and Parliament of Estonia insist on a complete rupture of the EPC with the Moscow Patriarchate, but the hierarchs of the EPC consistently emphasize that despite the pressure they will maintain certain canonical ties with the ROC.