Estonian MIA: Pühtitsa Convent must choose – Russian Church or society

Pühtitsa Convent nuns. Photo: Tairo Lutter

On February 17, 2025, the nuns of the Pühtitsa Convent, led by Abbess Filareta, arrived at the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) building with a petition to preserve the current status of the convent. However, their appeal did not change the authorities’ stance: the convent must determine its future, according to the Estonian outlet Postimees.

Parliament Speaker Lauri Hussar refused to meet with the nuns as the visit had not been prearranged. The petition was accepted by the Chairman of the Legal Affairs Committee, Andre Hanimägi, who noted that the document reiterated the convent’s previous position.

“The nuns are not ready to change the convent’s jurisdiction as they remain part of the Russian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, have taken canonical vows, and do not see the possibility of being under the leadership of another religious authority,” Hanimägi explained.

Estonian Ministry of Internal Affairs representative Ringo Ringvee issued a harsh statement: “The Estonian Parliament has declared the Moscow Patriarchate an organization that supports Russia’s military aggression. This is already sufficient grounds for a convent operating in Estonia to determine its stance: either share Estonia’s values or remain a hostage of the Kremlin and portray itself as a victim.”

Ringvee emphasized that this is not about restricting religious freedom: “No one is forcing the convent to renounce the teachings of Christ. The bill guarantees the convent the freedom to practice Christianity. Unfortunately, the Moscow Patriarchate has deviated from the teachings of Christ by justifying aggression, war, and hostility towards democratic societies.”

As a reminder, at the end of January, the Estonian government approved a bill requiring religious organizations to sever ties with the Russian Orthodox Church. After the law comes into force, organizations will have two months to amend their statutes in accordance with the new requirements. The Estonian Church changed its name twice, removing references to the Moscow Patriarchate, but the authorities refused to register it.

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