The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Estonia reminded Metropolitan Yevgeniy of the Estonian Orthodox Church that any support for Russian aggression against Ukraine is a “red line”.
The Estonian publication EER reports that EOC Metropolitan Yevgeniy with the Moscow Patriarchate (a citizen of Russia) was summoned to the Ministry of Internal Affairs for an interview in connection with announcing a “prayer for peace” two days before the anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the fact that representatives of Estonia’s pro-Russian political forces were expected to participate in the service, reports Liga.
The Vice-Chancellor of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Raivo Kuit told journalists that “red lines” were discussed during the interview. Such red lines, the ministry sees, include “any verbal or non-verbal support of Russian aggression against Ukraine” and elements of “political agitation by religious organizations”.
The position of the EOC caused indignation among Estonian politicians, who proposed to deprive Metropolitan Yevgeniy of a residence permit in the event similar actions repeat.
After that, the prayer for peace was canceled, and the EOC MP issued a statement that “the church became a victim of political provocation.” It also emphasizes that the EOC “does not participate in politics and cannot always assess the political consequences and political activities of some irresponsible actors.”
