Constantinople hierarch in Estonia supports anti-Church law
Metropolitan Stephanos believes that the law on church control does not infringe on faith but rather serves the benefit of the faithful.
On June 18, 2025, the hierarch of the Constantinople Patriarchate, Metropolitan Stephanos of Tallinn and All Estonia, publicly expressed support for the new amendments to the law "On Churches and Parishes", which strengthen state control over religious organizations. He reported this in an interview with ERR.
Metropolitan Stephanos of the Estonian Apostolic Orthodox Church believes that the new law, which strengthens state control over religious organizations, does not limit freedom of religion but, on the contrary, helps believers.
"Orthodoxy has been placed in a difficult position not only here, but also in Ukraine," he noted. "As Christians and Orthodox believers, our primary calling in society is to build peace and bring people together – not to stir up anxiety or create division."
The hierarch assured that the new law "is not targeted at just one church" but at the same time acknowledged that for those who maintain ties with the Estonian Orthodox Church, there may be "social and legal consequences."
Metropolitan Stephanos stated: "In other words – law is law and we must respect it. As religious organizations and churches, we have a duty to remain churches and to carry out the mission of Christian churches – not to play political games or engage in manipulation."
Metropolitan Stephanos proposed creating a vicariate for the believers of the Estonian Orthodox Church. "My proposal involves the creation of a vicariate. Of course, the term vicariate has a specific meaning, but in using it here, I've extended it beyond its usual definition," he said.
Metropolitan Stephanos proposed a model that would allow the EOC to maintain its canonical status even in the event that the Estonian Christian Orthodox Church decides to break its current ties. He assured that his offer is not about subordination or merging with his jurisdiction, but "an outstretched hand" and "support in this difficult situation".
"My proposed solution was to offer them a way to preserve their canonical status and ecclesiastical identity even if they break communion with the Moscow Patriarchate – so they wouldn't become a sect in the eyes of Orthodoxy," he said.
Metropolitan Stephanos emphasized: "I am not asking anything in return, except one thing: that, as a sign of communion, their bishops mention my name during liturgies. I have the right to be commemorated. That was my first proposal."
The Metropolitan also stated that he shared his initiative with the Ecumenical Patriarchate and emphasized that the state cannot help in this matter: "It resolves legal issues but does not interfere in canonical matters."
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the authorities of Estonia adopted amendments to the anti-Church law.
