Estonia vs Russian Orthodox Church: Church Forced to Change Its Name

The Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (EOC MP) is compelled to change its name in accordance with a new law prohibiting religious organizations from maintaining affiliations with foreign leadership, reports NewsBox. 

The Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (EOC MP) is facing the necessity to change its name due to a recently enacted law in Estonia concerning church affiliations. This legislation prevents religious organizations from having ties with foreign entities that could pose a threat to the state. The law was introduced following the designation of the Moscow Patriarchate as a supporter of the war.

The proposed new name is expected to remove references to the Moscow Patriarchate. It is anticipated that the church will be called the “Estonian Christian Orthodox Church.” Previously, the EOC has attempted to rename itself, but authorities declined these changes, arguing that the new name might create an illusion of a united Orthodox structure, while both the Estonian Orthodox Church and the Constantinople Patriarchate operate in Estonia.

The leadership of the EOC has expressed dissatisfaction, alleging that the law was specifically targeted against them, a sentiment previously openly stated by Estonia's Minister of Internal Affairs. Mentions of ties with the Russian Orthodox Church have already been removed from the church's charter.

Orthodox expert Sergey Chapnin criticized the authorities’ actions as superficial. In his view, instead of focusing on renaming, the state should invest in theological education, programs for aspiring clergy, and church forums. He believes such efforts would deliver long-term benefits, whereas the renaming is merely a formal gesture.