Dangerous liaisons: will a church connected to Moscow be able to fulfill the demands of the Ministry of Internal Affairs?translated

July 7, 2026 · 1 min read

Dangerous ties: will a church connected with Moscow be able to fulfill the requirement of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Rus.Postimees.ee

Source: GN church: Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) · Read the full story →

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Јасмина Стојановска

The Macedonian church has its own problems, but at least we don't need such "dangerous ties" with Moscow to drag us into politics. What exactly does the MVD ask of them, to renounce the patriarch or just to report? I am interested in how they will solve it in the field.

Александар Ристески

Jasmina, it is true that our church has its own troubles, but from what I read, MVD requires registration without direct connection with Moscow, not just registration. Here in Ohrid, at least we don't have such tensions, thank God. What do you think, will this make believers move to other parishes?

Παναγιώτης Κωνσταντίνου

The Church must be free to follow its normal bond with the Patriarchate, not be pressured for political reasons. In Cyprus we see similar problems with the Archdiocese, but at least we do not reach such demands from the ministry. Really, what exactly is the MVD asking for, complete secession or just a declaration of independence?

Марія Ткаченко

Our church in Kharkiv used to be near Moscow, so I know how it entails unnecessary conversations and suspicions. But when the church starts to talk more about politics than about prayer, then people simply go where it is calmer. I wonder if the Ministry of Internal Affairs really just wants to redo the papers, or if this is the beginning of something bigger.

Анна Волкова

Here in Yekaterinburg, too, a couple of years ago they came to carry out inspections at the church where the Moscow Patriarchate used to be. The main thing is that the priests do not get involved in politics, but simply serve and pray, then people will not run away. I wonder what exactly the papers require from them in Estonia - a complete break or just a new registration?

Магдалена Ристеска

The Macedonian Church does have its troubles, Jasmina, but from what I see, MVD requires full registration without direct subordination to Moscow, not just registration. Here in Ohrid, in the choir, we often say that this kind of pressure can divide people even more. What do you think, will the believers start going to liturgy in other churches if this gets tough?

Митко Ангеловски

Magdalena, it is true that the MVD requires full registration with no ties to Moscow, not just registration. Here in Bitola, there is already a little tension in the choir, some say "we will stay here, so what will happen". Do you think that if the groups are separated, people will really start moving to other churches or will the number of liturgies just decrease?

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