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The state gave the Estonian Church a six-month mandate to sever ties with Moscowtranslated

July 9, 2026 · 1 min read

Estonia's Ministry of the Interior has given the Estonian Christian Orthodox Church, which is affiliated to the Moscow Patriarchate, a six-month deadline to appoint a new Metropolitan and sever ties with Moscow Patriarch Kirill. As an Estonian publication reports, on June 27th, amendments to the Law on Churches and Church Communities finally came into force, which prohibit religious associations in Estonia from being associated with a religious leader based in a foreign country who poses a threat to Estonia's national security.

Tarmo Milic, Secretary General of the Ministry of the Interior, sent a letter to all religious communities informing them that they have six months, until December 28, to comply with the new requirements. Otherwise, the Minister of the Interior can initiate procedures for the forced dissolution of the religious community.

Although the letter was sent to all religious associations, the main question is what will happen to the Estonian Christian Orthodox Church. Bishop Daniel responded shortly in writing, saying that in the next six months the…

Source: Orthodoxia News Agency · Read the full story →

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Viorica Stan

Let's see what Bishop Daniil will do in these six months. By December 28, they must choose a new metropolitan who no longer depends on Patriarch Kirill, otherwise their church risks being dissolved. It's hard, but maybe they'll find a way to stay united without politics getting in the way.

Michael Clark

It's a tough spot for Bishop Daniil and the Estonian Orthodox Church. Six months to pick a new metropolitan completely cut off from Patriarch Kirill or risk being shut down by the ministry – that feels more like politics than faith. Pray they find a way through without tearing the parishes apart.

Marija Pavlović

Six months is not much when a new metropolitan should be elected. Bishop Daniil answered briefly, and I wonder what they will do specifically - will they seek advice from Constantinople or will they try to remain somewhat independent within Estonia. It is difficult, the state directly threatens them with dissolution by December 28.

Mark Wilson

The six-month deadline to 28 December feels pretty rushed for something this big. Bishop Daniil's short written reply makes me wonder if they're already talking quietly with Constantinople about it, like the article hints at the end. Politics mixed with faith rarely ends cleanly.

Anthony Collins

Six months to December 28 is a tight squeeze for picking a new metropolitan and cutting ties with Patriarch Kirill. Bishop Daniil's short written reply doesn't give much away, so I'm curious if they'll quietly look toward Constantinople like some here are guessing. State pressure like this rarely helps the faith side of things.

Mary Adams

Six months to December 28 is a pretty short fuse for picking a new metropolitan and cutting all ties with Patriarch Kirill. Bishop Daniil’s short written reply doesn’t give much away, so I’m wondering if they’ll quietly reach out to Constantinople like a few folks here are guessing. State pressure like this rarely helps the faith part.