The second plenary session of the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate was held under the leadership of Metropolitan of Tallinn and All Estonia. The main focus of the session was to strengthen the Church’s independence from the Russian Church. This meeting followed negotiations with the Estonian state that were concluded in late July.
As reported by et.orthodox.ee, the plenary session resulted in the approval of a revised statute that cements the Church’s autonomy from the Moscow Patriarchate in various areas including administration, finance, education, and civil matters. A significant decision was made to officially change the Church’s name to the “Estonian Orthodox Church,” a title bestowed by Patriarch Alexios II.
The plenary also supported the Synod’s involvement in negotiations with the state and expressed confidence that the Estonian Orthodox Church will find effective solutions to current ecclesiastical issues. It was decided to continue these efforts and authorize the Session to reconvene if necessary.
Furthermore, the Council emphasized the significance of Estonia’s 33rd anniversary of restored independence, offering prayers for the country’s prosperity, cultural heritage preservation, and continued sovereignty as an independent nation.
It is important to note that the Estonian Ministry of Interior and the Estonian Orthodox Church (EOC) reached an agreement to diminish and eventually eliminate the influence of the Moscow Patriarchate over the EOC.