Estonian Church uges prayer ahead of parliamentary vote on potential ban
Metropolitan Eugene. Photo: ru.orthodox.ee
Metropolitan Eugene of Tallinn and All Estonia has called on the clergy and laity of the Estonian Orthodox Christian Church to devote themselves to prayer on the day of the Estonian parliament’s vote on a proposed ban of the Church.
In his address on the Feast of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos, the Metropolitan emphasized that the Theotokos, having accepted God's will with complete trust and humility, serves as an example of devotion and faith for all Christians – especially in the difficult times now facing the Estonian Church.
“If we too entrust ourselves to the Lord, follow His will, and refrain from complaining and despair, the Lord will not abandon us,” the Metropolitan stated.
He reminded the faithful that on Wednesday, April 9, the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) will hold the third reading and final vote on a bill directed against the Church. He called for intensified prayer on that day:
“On this day, I urge all of you to pray especially fervently for our persecuted Church, adding to your prayers the reading of the Holy Gospel and the Psalter. May the All-Merciful Lord, through the prayers of the Most Blessed Theotokos and all the saints of the Estonian land, accept our efforts and grant that we may celebrate the Feast of Holy Pascha in peace and harmony,” Metropolitan Eugene concluded.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that Estonian authorities are seeking to ban churches affiliated with the Russian Federation.
Read also
Rada speaker discusses legalization of same-sex marriage in Rivne region
Ruslan Stefanchuk suggested that sponsors of separate bills to legalize same-sex marriage personally make their case to Ukrainians.
SBU told Phanar many UOC bishops would join OCU in 2018, report says
According to a Phanar representative’s account, Ukrainian security services told the Constantinople delegation that many UOC representatives were prepared to attend the OCU’s “Unification Council.” In the end, only two did.
Catholic cardinal visits Ukrainian POWs during trip to Russia
During three days of consultations in Moscow, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi discussed prospects for ending the war in Ukraine.
Ukrainians help restore Serbian Orthodox church in Paris
Orthodox Ukrainians have become regular parishioners of St. Sava Church in Paris and have taken part in its restoration.
Bulgarian Church clergy and laity oppose Phanar head’s visit
More than 2,000 clergy and laity have called for the Ecumenical Patriarch’s visit to be canceled, citing disagreement with his actions and concerns that the visit could legitimize schism.
Unknown intruders break down doors at two UOC churches in Sloviansk
Archbishop Paisiy said OCU activists are suspected of breaking into the churches in Sloviansk, and police have launched an investigation.