Law Firm Sirel & Partners Attorney at Law Steven-Hristo Evestus and Attorney at Law and Partner Artur Knjazev represent the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (EOCMP) and Pühtitsa Stavropegial Holy Dormition Monastery in a complicated situation to find a solution with the state that complies with Estonian laws and Orthodox canons. On 6 May 2024, the Estonian Parliament declared the Moscow Patriarchate an institution sponsoring Russia’s military aggression. Ministry of the Interior demands EOCMP and Pühtitsa Monastery to cut ties with the Moscow Patriarchate.
“Both Minister of the Interior and several other politicians have recently spoken and expressed their opinions on the subject, whilst state authority officials started dialogues with the EOCMP and Pühtitsa Monastery in various forms. Our first task is to remind that the representatives and members of the EOCMP and Pühtitsa Monastery have in no way expressed support for hostilities or reluctance to the constitutional order of the Republic of Estonia. For this reason, it is exceptionally important that freedom of religion and the rights, freedoms, and activities of members of congregations and monastery are not arbitrarily or unintentionally restricted and condemned. We are open to finding solutions for continued peaceful coexistence,” said Attorney at Law Steven-Hristo Evestus.
“It is also necessary to stress that no law has been breached by the EOCMP or the Pühtitsa Monastery. They have always opposed war and have never shared the statements of Patriarch of Moscow on war. Law-abiding behaviour must be respected and in no circumstances shall it lead to a punishment or any other act of this nature by the state,” added Attorney at Law and Partner Artur Knjazev.
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