Businessman to restore ruined 19th-century Orthodox church in Estonia
St. Nicholas Church in Estonia: its historical appearance and current condition. Photo: video screenshot
On November 16, 2025, it became known that entrepreneur Margus Tammemäe had purchased a ruined 19th-century Orthodox church – St. Nicholas Church located in the Estonian town of Mäemõisa, ERR reports.
According to the businessman, he has long been interested in historical churches and dreamed of one day becoming the owner of such a structure. The city of Haapsalu put the church ruins up for auction, and Tammemäe turned out to be the only participant. He admitted that the purchase was for him “a dream come true” and a personal challenge.
Historians note that St. Nicholas Church is one of dozens of Orthodox shrines built in western and southern Estonia in the 19th century that are now in an emergency state. Experts call such sites “the most hopeless real estate,” since they require extensive restoration and no one wants to assume ownership.
Margus Tammemäe stated that he intends to restore the church and preserve it as part of the cultural heritage. He emphasized that he wants “to leave a constructive mark behind,” mentioning that he once suffered a serious injury that made him rethink his approach to life and strive for meaningful projects.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that an 18th-century Orthodox church will be restored in Romania.
Read also
Minkult moved the pagan holiday of Kupala following the PCU calendar reform
The Ministry of Culture published a selection of Kupala festivities and scheduled them for June 20–21 – instead of the traditional night of July 7 in the old style.
FIFA dedicates Iran–Egypt match to LGBT community
FIFA has required Muslim athletes to take part in a “Pride match” featuring rainbow-themed symbolism despite their religious convictions.
Palestinian MFA condemns Israel’s seizure of Jerusalem Church land
Palestine called on the international community to stop the displacement of Christians from Jerusalem.
Czech authorities opt out of Istanbul Convention over “gender ideology”
The government withdrew its consent to ratify the document, calling its provisions destructive to the traditional understanding of sex and family.
Dozens of residents embrace Orthodoxy in Mozambique
After administering the sacrament of Baptism, the priest went on to bless the homes of the newly converted Christians.
His Beatitude: Man should use wealth, rather than be used by wealth
The Primate of the UOC explained how to set priorities correctly, stressing that “wealth without God makes a person the most miserable in the whole world.”