Bishop Daniel of Tartu: The Estonian Church remains faithful to its path

Bishop Daniel of Tartu, Vicar of the Tallinn Diocese of the Estonian Orthodox Christian Church. Photo: Maria Yakubovskaya

On 24 October 2025, the newspaper Orthodox Lithuania published an interview with Bishop Daniel (Lepisk) of Tartu, Vicar of the Tallinn Eparchy of the Estonian Orthodox Christian Church (EOCC). During his visit to Vilnius, Bishop Daniel met with hierarchs of the Lithuanian Orthodox Church, visited churches and monasteries, and familiarized himself with the work of local theological programs.

The bishop noted that his visit was intended not only as a pilgrimage but also as an effort to strengthen cooperation between the Estonian and Lithuanian Churches, particularly in the field of theological education.

Bishop Daniel emphasized that the Estonian Orthodox Christian Church, which remains in canonical unity with the Moscow Patriarchate, preserves its autonomous status and continues its ministry despite increasing pressure from state authorities.

“Our faithful do not wish to change jurisdictions; they are law-abiding and loyal citizens of Estonia. The Estonian Orthodox Chrisitian Church (EOCC) is an officially registered Estonian religious organization, and its canonical ties with the Moscow Patriarchate in no way imply hostility toward the state,” the hierarch stated.

According to Bishop Daniel, the Church includes around 35 parishes and about 75 clergy. There are an estimated 150,000–170,000 Orthodox believers in Estonia. The country also has another jurisdiction – the Estonian Apostolic Orthodox Church, under the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, which claims about 30,000 faithful.

Relations between the two jurisdictions have remained tense since the 1990s, and in recent times the situation has further deteriorated, largely due to government measures targeting the Estonian Orthodox Christian Church. Initially, these measures concerned only Metropolitan Eugene, whose residence permit was not renewed, but later extended to the entire Church.

The Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) passed a bill banning all canonical and administrative ties of the EOCC with the Moscow Patriarchate. The President of Estonia has twice refused to sign the law, citing constitutional violations, and has once again referred it to the State Court for review.

Speaking about the challenges the Church faces, Bishop Daniel urged the faithful to view these trials from a spiritual perspective: “We have no other consolation than the words of the Gospel. The Lord said that at times it is given to us to suffer for our faith. Everything happens according to the will of God, and these trials purify our souls,” he said.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Bishop Daniel warned that state pressure undermines social peace and freedom of religion.

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