Estonian Church сhanges its name in response to government demands

The third session of the Council of the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate. Photo: orthodox.ee

The Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (EOC-MP) has changed its name to the “Estonian Christian Orthodox Church.” According to the official website of the Estonian Church, the decision was made by the participants of the EOC-MP Council in response to a directive from the Registration Department of the Tartu County Court.

The third session of the Council, held on January 10 at the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God "Quick to Hear" in Tallinn, included representatives from the Tallinn and Narva dioceses: all clergy (bishops, priests, and deacons, excluding retired or suspended clergy), lay Synod members, and one lay representative elected from each parish.

The primary issue discussed by the Council was addressing deficiencies in the EOC's charter from August 20, 2024, as identified by the Registration Department of the Tartu County Court.

Specifically, the court ruled that the EOC must not only remove any official references to the Moscow Patriarchate from its name but also select a name other than Eesti Õigeusu Kirik ("Estonian Orthodox Church"). This name is already used by the Estonian Apostolic Orthodox Church under the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate when presenting itself in other languages.

The Council participants reached a compromise, voting by majority to adopt the new name Eesti Kristlik Õigeusu Kirik ("Estonian Christian Orthodox Church"). The changes were incorporated into the Church's Charter.

On January 16, the revised charter and all necessary documents were submitted electronically to the Registration Department of the Tartu County Court.

As previously reported by the UOJ, Bishop Daniil of Tartu discussed the situation surrounding the EOC-MP and the pressure exerted by authorities.

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