Jerusalem Church condemns persecution of Russian Orthodox Church in Estonia

Patriarch Theophilos. Photo: Press Service of the Jerusalem Church

The Patriarchate of Jerusalem has issued an official statement regarding a recently adopted law in Estonia targeting the faithful of the Russian Orthodox Church. The statement was published on the official website of the Jerusalem Church.

The Patriarchate expressed deep concern over the Estonian parliament’s (Riigikogu) April 9 adoption of a new law “On Churches and Congregations,” which compels religious communities to break ties with the Russian Orthodox Church. The statement notes that this decision will affect countless believers in churches and monasteries across Estonia.

“The Patriarchate of Jerusalem stands strongly for the right to worship safely and freely. In Jerusalem, we are acutely aware of restrictions on worship in the name of security, as we experience year after year at the Divine Liturgy of Holy Fire. There is no reason to weaponise religious belief and practice among the peaceful,” the statement emphasized.

The Patriarchate urged the Estonian government to reconsider the law for the sake of all believers in Estonia. “Within our Church, this is but yet another example of the urgent need for unity,” the document notes.

“The world has grown weary of conflict, and at this time it is paramount that the Orthodox church invests in dialogue and healing. We are one body, though we are many, and we must work together to be the peacemakers humanity cries out for. We cannot do this if we are plagued by division and strife,” the statement continues.

The Jerusalem Patriarchate acknowledged the pain, challenges, and divisions currently facing Europe and the world, and renewed its appeal for fraternal dialogue rooted in reconciliation.

In conclusion, drawing on its centuries-long tradition of peacemaking and reconciliation, the Jerusalem Patriarchate extended a hand of goodwill and mediation to its fellow patriarchs: “Let us gather to sow the seeds of peace and healing so that we may bring about an end to suffering and promote healing within the Orthodox family.”

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the President of Estonia refused to sign the law banning the Estonian Church.

Read also