Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus' has raised alarm over what he described as targeted persecution of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) in Moldova and the Baltic states. Speaking at the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Easter reception, the Patriarch claimed that anti-Russian political forces are working to push the Moscow Patriarchate out of these regions.

“The situation is particularly acute in Estonia,” Kirill said, citing a controversial piece of legislation passed by the Estonian Parliament on April 9, 2025. The bill, which amends the country’s law on churches, effectively bans the activities of the ROC within Estonia. Though Estonian President Alar Karis returned the bill for revision due to its alleged constitutional violations, Kirill warned that a modified version could still be enacted.

“Orthodoxy in Estonia has deep historical ties to the Russian Orthodox Church,” he emphasized. “Generations of Orthodox believers have been raised with these values and have worshipped in ROC churches. Now, efforts are being made to erase this community from the country’s spiritual and cultural map.”

Kirill argued that the proposed Estonian law constitutes a violation of religious freedoms and constitutional rights. “And yet, there is complete silence. But we must not be silent—neither civil society nor the state,” he urged. “This is a blatant case of human rights violations and religious discrimination.”

The Patriarch also pointed to similar developments in neighboring countries. In Latvia, he criticized the government’s decision to declare the Orthodox Church autocephalous (independent) without adhering to canonical procedures, calling it an infringement on the separation of church and state and a breach of religious freedom. In Lithuania, he claimed, authorities are preparing to adopt measures similar to those seen in Estonia.

Turning to Moldova, Kirill said pressure on ROC clergy is growing, allegedly with support from local authorities aligned with the Romanian Patriarchate. He cited a recent incident during Holy Week in which Archbishop Markell of Bălți and Fălești was reportedly denied permission to travel to Jerusalem for the Holy Fire ceremony. “Clergy are subjected to humiliating searches and interrogations at the border,” Kirill stated, labeling the actions as discriminatory.

Patriarch Kirill concluded by calling for international attention and a fair assessment of the situation. “The gross discrimination our faithful are facing demands an appropriate and just response from the global community,” he said.

The accusations come amid escalating geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe, where religious affiliations are increasingly intertwined with national identity and political allegiance. Governments in the Baltics and Moldova have not yet publicly responded to the Patriarch’s claims.