Estonia wants to declare Russian Orthodox Church a "terrorist organization"
The head of the Estonian Interior Ministry. Photo: Eero Vabamägi
The Minister of Internal Affairs of Estonia announced that he intends to initiate the recognition of the Moscow Patriarchate as a terrorist organization and plans to petition the court to cease the activities of the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate in Estonia, as reported by Postimees.
Estonian Minister Lauri Läänemets stated that he has no other choice, and his decision is based on an assessment by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and an evaluation by the Security Police of the activities of the Estonian Orthodox Church.
"This will not affect the parishioners, it does not mean that the churches will be closed, but it means that ties with Moscow will be severed," he said.
As reported by the UOJ, the Holy Synod of the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate condemned the final document adopted at the XXV Congress of the World Russian People's Council, in which the war in Ukraine was called "holy", stating that it "does not correspond to the spirit of the Gospel teaching."
Read also
ROCOR Priest Reflects on Trip to Capitol Hill
Archpriest Victor Boldewskul participated in the Society of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco's Day of Action to raise awareness about the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Hundreds of Chinese Christians Arrested in Pre-Christmas Crackdown
Hundreds of Chinese Christians face spending Christmas in detention after authorities launched a sweeping pre-holiday crackdown on churches under Beijing’s campaign to control religious life.
Ukraine Adviser: UOC Not Banned, but Offered a 'Choice' of Jurisdictions
A Ukrainian presidential adviser said the UOC is not banned but pressured to choose between joining the OCU, submitting to Constantinople, or remaining unregistered, while dismissing international concerns as propaganda.
Indiana Reports 98% Drop in Abortions Under Stricter Law
Indiana’s latest health report shows a 98% drop in reported abortions under stricter laws, though dozens still occurred under legal exceptions and concerns persist about unreported pill abortions.
Armenian Apostolic Church Pushes Back on Political Encroachment
The Armenian Apostolic Church plans to appeal to international bodies to resist government interference and defend its clergy and sacred relics.
Attempted Takeover at Armenian Etchmiadzin Cathedral Thwarted by Faithful
Supporters of Armenian PM Pashinyan attempted to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral amid calls for the Catholicos’s resignation but were blocked by parishioners and security.