Estonian and Ukrainian Experience of Getting Out from Under the Influence of the Moscow Patriarchate

The subject of this study is the problem of state interference in church life within the context of the need to counteract threats posed by the Moscow Patriarchate to the national security of Ukraine and Estonia. A comparative analysis of the experiences of the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (EOC MP) and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) (UOC (MP)) in the process of eliminating Russian influence will contribute to a better understanding of the main issues that arise in this context. In Ukraine, there are two distinct Orthodox churches: the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) (UOC MP) and the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU). However, since the OCU has been an independent autocephalous church since 2019, the study focuses on the UOC (MP) and its experience of separation from the MP. The article discusses the similarities and differences between the two churches in this process. The study compares the positions of the EOC MP and the UOC (MP) regarding their responses to state restrictions aimed at reducing the influence of the Moscow Patriarchate. Positive, negative, and contradictory factors that are common, different, and unique to both religious denominations are identified. Factual data on the condemnation of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, as well as on the Russian Orthodox Church’s support for the war, are presented in relation to the Ukrainian and Estonian Orthodox Churches. The process of some clergy refusing to prayerfully commemorate the head of the Russian Orthodox Church is described. Public indignation arising from ties with the Moscow Patriarchate is identified as a factor reinforcing the intensification of state policy. The author provides data on the independent transition of some communities to another autocephalous church. The peculiarities of court sentences handed down to individual clergy for collaborationism are outlined. Emphasis is placed on legislative decisions obliging churches to sever ties with the Moscow Patriarchate. Amendments to church charters, including the removal of references to the Moscow Patriarchate and the declaration of independence from the Russian Orthodox Church, are analyzed. The author characterizes state criticism concerning the formality of these charter amendments. Reference is made to appeals to the UN regarding violations of believers’ rights. The author states that the Russian Orthodox Church does not recognize the independence of the EOC MP and the UOC (MP) from the Moscow Patriarchate.