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.
Read also
Kosovo to enact law restricting Serbian Church, experts say
Analysts warn that the new "Law on Foreigners" in Kosovo could restrict the presence of clergy, believers' access to shrines, and increase pressure on the Serbian community.
Congress Speaker: Demand to introduce Sharia law in USA is a serious problem
The Speaker of the House of Representatives stated that there is growing concern in society about attempts to impose Islamic law, which is incompatible with the American Constitution.
UK government introduces restrictions on "anti-Muslim hostility"
UK authorities have adopted a new definition of "Islamophobia" which, according to experts, could provide Muslims with special protection and restrict freedom of speech.
Dumenko brings icon in Church Slavonic to Ministry of Health
Epifaniy presented cardiologists with an Intercession icon, with inscriptions in Church Slavonic, which his structure calls a "sign of the Moscow tradition".
ISIS supporters carries out terrorist attack at anti-Islamic protest in NY
Near the home of New York's Muslim mayor, radicals threw two makeshift bombs at protesters during an anti-Islamic rally.
Hryshchuk: If UOC hands over its church itself, angle grinders aren't needed
An OCU chaplain called on UOC believers to accept the loss of the shrine for the sake of their own "enlightenment".