EOC-MP Synod makes a statement on Russia’s WRPC document

Council of the EOC. Photo: Facebook EOC-MP

The Holy Synod of the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate condemned the final document adopted at the XXV Congress of the World Russian People's Council, which referred to the war in Ukraine as "holy," as "not corresponding to the spirit of the Gospel teaching," according to the EOC press service.

The concept of the "Russian world" in the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate was called a distortion of the Gospel teaching, and "we cannot accept it as Christians."

"The Church is called to preach peace and unity in Christ. Such preaching is heard daily in our churches. Thanks to this, people with different views, of different nationalities, of different beliefs have the opportunity to participate in worship and receive spiritual support, guidance, and comfort," the statement from the Estonian Orthodox Church said.

The statement also noted that the National Council of Russia is a non-governmental organization of another country, and its decisions are not related to the Estonian Orthodox Church. The Holy Synod's statement emphasized that the Estonian Orthodox Church is an independent structure in "economic, administrative, educational, and social matters with regard to the Church."

As reported by the UOJ, in Estonia, after the extraordinary session of the World Russian People's Council, during which the document titled "Decree of the XXV World Russian People's Council 'The Present and Future of the Russian World'" was approved and published, an EOC bishop was summoned for discussion to a special department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

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