The Estonian Ministry of Internal Affairs expects that the Estonian Orthodox Church (EOC) will fully withdraw from the jurisdiction of the Moscow Patriarchate (MP) by the summer. This was reported by Ringo Ringvee, an advisor on religious affairs at the Estonian Ministry of Internal Affairs, to the ERR portal. The official assured that the state’s primary goal is not to close parishes under the EOC or the Pühtitsa Stavropegial Monastery or to obstruct their operations.  

In January 2025, the Estonian government approved a bill requiring religious organizations to amend their statutes and sever ties with the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC). Minister of Internal Affairs Lauri Läänemets stated that the Estonian Orthodox Church remains an instrument of Russian influence in Estonia.  

Earlier, the Estonian cabinet approved amendments to the law on churches and parishes, obliging the EOC to change its statutes and withdraw from the jurisdiction of the Moscow Patriarchate. "We hope that in the spring, the Riigikogu will approve the bill, and it will come into force before the summer," Ringvee said.  

He emphasized that the authorities are not seeking to close parishes or interfere in the religious life of Orthodox believers. The state requires organizations to operate within the law. "The decision to close parishes will be made by the courts," the Ministry of Internal Affairs advisor added.  

Estonian authorities are dissatisfied with the Russian Orthodox Church’s position on the special military operation in Ukraine. In April last year, Estonia’s Minister of Internal Affairs proposed recognizing the ROC as a terrorist organization and banning it. The Russian Embassy in Tallinn called this statement an attack on religious freedom.  

In January, the Estonian parliament reviewed amendments to the legislation that would require the Estonian Orthodox Church (EOC) to change its statutes and completely withdraw from the jurisdiction of the Moscow Patriarchate. Head of the ROC Synodal Department Vladimir Legoyda stated that Estonian authorities are attempting to destroy the EOC and forcibly transfer believers to the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.  

The Estonian Orthodox Church has already faced serious challenges: last year, its head, Metropolitan Eugene, was denied a residence permit renewal and was forced to leave the country. The Church maintains that it operates in accordance with Estonian laws and church canons.  

The approved bill restricts religious freedom and specifically targets the EOC, noted Bishop Daniel of Tartu. According to him, the law’s requirements could lead to the forced cessation of the Church’s activities. "A forced break with the Patriarchate and transition to another jurisdiction is interference in the internal life of religious communities," the website of the Estonian Orthodox Church quoted him as saying.  

In response to the situation, the EOC has decided to change its name to the "Estonian Christian Orthodox Church." Additionally, the EOC has engaged legal experts to explore legal solutions and is striving for dialogue with the government. A report from the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights states that restrictions on religious freedom must be lawful and proportionate. National security cannot serve as a basis for bans if less restrictive measures are available.  

"We hope that the promises made during the meeting at the Ministry of Internal Affairs will be honored and that the issue can be resolved in a canonical manner," Bishop Daniel concluded.  

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