ORTHODOX CHURCH IN ESTONIA
Epidemiological Policy and Churches in Estonia
The Minister of Population who is also in charge of religious affairs, Mrs. Riina Solman, has held two video conferences with church leaders concerning governmental measures that are meant to limit the spread of Covid-19 virus. To their satisfaction, the church leaders heard that while many protection measures have been implied, the churches and other places of worship will remain open and can continue divine services, also on Christmas. However, distancing, wearing of masks and limits on the number of persons allowed to a church building are applied, too. But the government is not willing to put the churches on par with cinemas, bars and other places of entertainment.
The proposal that clergy and other church workers who work with people should be among those vaccinated among the first was met positively.
The dialogue has shown that the Estonian government respects the churches and is willing to take into account the spiritual needs of the believers, including the need to come to church at Christmas. The government, on its turn, is assured that the churches are following the sanitary measures and are giving their share to the struggle against the virus.
