At the end of March, a meeting of the World Russian National Assembly was held in Moscow, the decisions of which had a great impact in Estonian society. Understanding the public’s concern, the MPEÕK Synod addresses the parishioners of their churches and all those who are interested in the position of the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate.
The Russian National Assembly is a non-governmental association of another country, whose decisions, despite the participation of representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church, are in no way related to the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate. In the statements of the Synod, we have repeatedly pointed to the independence of our Church “in economic, administrative, educational and social matters concerning the Church” (Tomos 1920). We do not recognize the final document of the National Assembly because, in our opinion, it does not correspond to the spirit of the teaching of the Gospel.
MPEÕK parishioners, citizens and residents of Estonia, deeply respect and love the culture, customs and traditions of their country and see themselves as part of Estonian society.
The idea of a “Russian world” (Russian mir) has become a substitute for the teaching of the Gospel, and as Christians we cannot accept it. The Church is called to preach peace and unity in Christ. This is the kind of message that is heard every day in our churches. Thanks to this, people of different nationalities, with different views and beliefs can participate in the service and find spiritual support and comfort.
We invite all MPEÕK believers to pray for the peace and safety of all the people of our independent Estonia.
+ Metropolitan of Eugen, Tallinn and all of Estonia, chairman of the MPEÕK Synod
+ Lazarus, bishop of Narva and Peipsveere
+ Sergi, Bishop of Maardu, Vicar Bishop of Tallinn Diocese
+ Daniel, Bishop of Tartu, Vicar Bishop of Tallinn Diocese
High priest Oleg Vrona
High Priest Vitaly Gavrilov
High priest Andrei Vasilyev
Sergei Männik
Oleg Burdeinyi
in Tallinn, on April 2, 2024
