Estonian MIA considers changes to EOC Statute insufficient

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Tallinn. Photo: EOC

The Ministry of Internal Affairs found the changes made by the Estonian Orthodox Church to its statute, aimed at distancing itself from the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC), insufficient. The Ministry insists on the actual exit of the EOC-MP from under the influence of Patriarch Kirill of the ROC, reports rus.err.ee.

According to Chancellor of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Tarmo Miilits, in a letter addressed to Bishop Daniel, the name change of the church and the removal of references to the Moscow Patriarchate, the ROC, and the Patriarch from its statute are merely cosmetic changes. "The actual influence of the Moscow Patriarchate remains the same, both administratively and canonically," Miilits wrote.

He suggested that the church leadership review the statute once more in light of the comments made to completely exclude the influence of the ROC on the management and activities of the Church.

In particular, Miilits pointed to the reference in the statute to the 1993 Tomos issued by Patriarch Alexy II of the ROC. According to him, this Tomos stipulates that the activities of the EOC-MP are governed by decisions of the Synod and orders of the ROC Patriarch, and as long as this reference remains in the statute, the Church remains under Moscow’s control.

The Ministry also rejected the EOC-MP's proposal to adopt the new name "Estonian Orthodox Church", considering this name inconsistent with the Law on Churches and Congregations and insufficiently distinct from the already registered Estonian Apostolic Orthodox Church (EAOC).

"At the same time, the Ministry expressed satisfaction that Bishop Daniel confirmed in his letter ongoing contacts with the EAOC to overcome the canonical schism in the Orthodox Church in Estonia, which arose in the 1990s," the statement said.

As UOJ previously reported, the Estonian Ministry of Internal Affairs is demanding a complete break of the EOC with the Moscow Patriarchate.

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