The Kremlin has been accused of using a convent in Estonia to spread pro-Russian propaganda.
Estonian officials claim that the Pühtitsa Convent, located in the east of the country, is affiliated with Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, who is a staunch supporter of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The convent has refused to disown Kirill and has stated that the Estonian government is attempting to “force” political neutrality.
Kirill appointed Pühtitsa’s abbess, Filareta Kalatšova.
Martin Tulit, a senior Estonian government official, told the Telegraph, “The convent should be seen not simply as a religious institution, but also as a symbol of the Russki Mir ideology on Estonian soil – an ideology promoted by the Russian state and the Moscow Patriarchate that blends religion, nationalism, and imperial nostalgia.”
However, Abbess Kalatšova denies the claims. “Our life and convent is simple,” she said, “it consists of praying and working."
She added: “We came to the convent to leave the secular world behind, to get away from these problems and dedicate our time to serving the Lord.”
Kalatšova denied any collusion with the Russian government and has said she is opposed to war, but stopped short of commenting on Ukraine.
Estonia is particularly wary of Russian influence, given its proximity to the border and former USSR status.