Fanariots in Estonia willing to help EOC separate from ROC

Illustrative photo. Source: postimees/Eero Vabamägi

The Estonian Apostolic Orthodox Church (EAOC), which is under the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, has offered to help the Estonian Orthodox Church (EOC) separate from the Moscow Patriarchate, as reported by rus.postimees.ee.

It is noted that as a first step, the Fanar Church in Estonia is offering the EOC the status of a self-governing vicariate of parishes in the Russian tradition.

"This means that the EOC of the Moscow Patriarchate would remain an independent ecclesiastical entity, able to continue following its own church practices, use its own language and calendar, and be fully financially independent," said a statement from the structure of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

Bishops of the vicariate are being offered the option to commemorate the name of the EAOC metropolitan during the Divine Liturgy, while priests and deacons would commemorate their local bishop.

"In case of need, the EAOC will appeal to the Estonian Council of Churches for assistance in keeping both Orthodox churches under its aegis," the publication states.

As previously reported by the UOJ, Estonia's Ministry of Internal Affairs is demanding that the EOC completely break with the Moscow Patriarchate.

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