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.

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