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Dear Archbishop Urmas Viilma, President of the Estonian Council of Churches,

Your Eminence, dear Metropolitan Stephanos of Tallinn and All Estonia,

Eminences, Excellencies and Graces,

Distinguished Guests,

Honored Participants,

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

We greet you with a salutation of peace and love in the name of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ. It is with immense joy and gratitude that we come once again to this historic city of Tallinn, to celebrate together the Centennial of the Orthodox Church of Estonia. As Saint Paul says: “If one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.” (I Corinthians 12:26) In this spirit of joyfulness, our celebration has to be ecumenical in nature. We come together in prayer under the auspices of the Estonian Council of Churches, led by its esteemed President, Archbishop Urmas Viilma, as Christians committed to reconciliation and moved by a common desire for the restoration of unity and communion. 

As we reflect on the rich diversity of our ecumenical families that have brought us to this moment, we should lift up our heartfelt gratitude to our Lord Jesus Christ and his Saints, especially Saint Platon Kulbusch, for guiding the path of the Church in Estonia through trials and triumphs, and for granting us the privilege of witnessing together this remarkable milestone and resurrection. 

The journey of Orthodoxy in Estonia has been one marked by courage, faith, and the enduring resilience of the faithful supported by the action and the grace of the Holy Spirit. For a century, our forefathers and mothers have labored tirelessly to sow the seeds of faith in this land despite the many challenges that wounded Europe: two World Wars, the Cold War, and up until now the war in Ukraine. Through times of oppression and times of renewal, the Orthodox of this blessed nation have nurtured the spiritual legacy entrusted to them, just as a loving steward tends to a precious and invaluable heritage. 

As we celebrate the Centennial anniversary of the granting of autonomous status to the Orthodox Church of Estonia by the Mother Church of Constantinople, we must remember our brothers and sisters of other Christian Churches who carried the torch of Christianity through these same turbulent times, often in the face of adversity. Thus, it is a special privilege to address this august ecumenical body. Once again today, we have the joy of affirming the ecumenical spirit among our churches in Europe, looking towards the future of the movement and witnessing Christ’s love for all His creation.

In a world marked by division and discord, the role of the Christian faith and our quest for Christian unity are more important than ever. Our shared commitment to communion, peace, and justice can serve as a beacon of hope, lighting the way towards a more harmonious and just society. We need to be fervent in our dedication to not only nurturing our own spiritual growth, but also extending a helping hand to those in need, advocating for the marginalized, working together to create positive transformation in the world around us and praying for peace.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

In closing, as we commemorate the Centennial of the Orthodox Church of Estonia, let us make this celebration an ecumenical reality. The last one hundred years have been a true spiritual journey of companionship and reconciliation. Let us move forward with a renewed sense of gratitude, empowered by the sense of unity we have witnessed today and the grace that sustains us. 

May the blessings of our Lord Jesus Christ be upon this ecumenical gathering, upon the Orthodox Church of Estonia, and upon all who seek the path of unity.

Thank you for your kind attention.