Disclaimer: This blog post provides an overview of the religious denominations that are present in Estonia. Religion, symbols, and religious buildings can be sensitive topics. In this article, the author, or ISA, take no sides but merely provide a brief narrow account of the history of religion in Estonia, the denominations and their sites. The author apologizes to those denominations not mentioned.
Perhaps by now, you may have heard that Estonia is one of the least religious countries in Europe, if not the least religious (Czech Republic being its rival in this department). “In 2018, according to a study jointly conducted by London’s St Mary’s University’s Benedict XVI Centre for Religion and Society and the Institut Catholique de Paris, and based on data from the European Social Survey 2014–2016, among the 16 to 29 years-old Estonians 19% were Christians (13% Orthodox, 3% Protestant, 1% Catholic) and 80% were not religious.” 1 These numbers tend to change depending on which study you look at, but the final verdict is that, especially among the youth, religion simply does not play a major role in the life of an Estonian. While it is true that many people are unaffiliated with any religion, this has not always been the case, and in fact, there is still a large group of people that prescribe to some denomination. If you are a student that is affiliated with a religion, then I’m sure you’re wondering if you will be able to exercise your religious routines within the country, or Tartu specifically.
First off, it is important to note that, historically, Estonia has its roots primarily in Indigenous paganism, such as Taara, and Christianity. Estonia, being trapped between both Germany and Russia, has been part of both empires, and has been influenced by the religion of both. This is why there are essentially 3 major denominations of Christianity here: Evangelical Lutheran (coming from Germany), Eastern Orthodox (coming from Russia), and the Estonian Apostolic Orthodox Church.
Indigenous Religions:
Estonia has never been a religious country in the sense of other neighboring countries. While Christianity did become the prevalent monotheistic religion, it was thrust upon the population with little avail. Even during the times of the crusades, Estonians resisted religion, though not spiritual practices. Two of the most common pagan denominations are Maausk and Taara.
Maausk is a millennia old traditional folk religion. It strives to adhere to a strict cohesion with nature, where shrines are erected of wood and music and dance are done around campfires. In some way, this is common with other Pagan religions.
Taara was almost the state religion of Estonia, at least it attempted to be, to bring Estonia back to its roots and as a means to extricate the Christian values that were brought by the Germans. In essence, Taara was a movement against Christianity and back towards a form of pagan values. However, due to the occupation of Estonia by the Soviet Union, Taara was pushed aside and most religious practices were outlawed.
Schism between Eastern Orthodoxy and Estonian Apostolic Orthodoxy:
Eastern Orthodoxy came to Estonia via Russian inhabitants and to this day, is practiced primarily by the Estonian Russians. A schism was formed within the church in the early 20th Century as Estonian nationalism grew, and as a means to contravene Russian influence, and after a dispute with the Eastern Orthodox Patriarch, Estonian Orthodoxy moved under the wing of Constantinople instead of Moscow. This all became moot once the Soviet Union became involved.
The Cathedral of the Dormition of Our Lady in Tartu is an 18th Century Church in the center of Tartu. It is an example of the Estonian Apostolic Orthodox Churches.
St. George’s Orthodox Church in Tartu is a Russian Orthodox Church across the street from the Delta building. It was built in the 19th Century and is open for services.
Islam:
Though there isn’t a large Muslim population in Estonia, there is an Islamic center and mosque located in Tallinn. However, this is the only mosque in Estonia as Tartu does not have any. More information about the Islamic Center can be found here: Estonian Islam Center
Judaism:
In terms of synagogues, it is similar to the mosque situation in that there is only one and it is also located in Tallinn. Tartu, in general, only has Christian places of worship. The Tallinn Synagogue, or Beit Bela Synagogue, has many different times for services as well as a shabbat dinner. Information about the Estonian Jewish Center and synagogue can be found here: Estonian Jewish Center
Religion in the Soviet Union:
Religion during the Soviet occupation was banned throughout all Soviet nations. Houses of worship were either destroyed or transformed for other purposes. Imagine a 1984 style repression where the true religion can only be that of the State government. Outside influences were deemed as heretical and taking away power from the cult of personality that is the State. Once the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, Estonians were able to redefine their faith and start attending mass, if they so chose. But as stated earlier, many continued to be unaffiliated with religion.
Religious Venues in Tartu:
Tartu is home to many denominations of Christian buildings. As stated above, these are primarily the Apostolic Orthodox Church, which around 16% of the population adheres to, and the Lutheran Church, claiming around 10%, which was introduced to the region through German occupation 2. However, there is also a JW church (Jehovah’s Witness) as well as a sizable Mormon missionary population in Tartu.
The Ruins of Tartu (Dorpat) Cathedral is located adjacent to the University of Tartu Museum on top of Toome Hill. Dorpat is the German name for Tartu. It was destroyed in 1224 by the Livonians and has ceased operating as a Cathedral since then.
St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Tartu is located a block away from the Delta Building in Tartu. It was built in the 19th Century but lost its status as a church during Soviet Times. It is now up and running again.
In closing, I hope that this post has expanded your knowledge on the history and current affairs of religion in Estonia. Though it was only a brief history, there is much more to discover if you so wish to do your own research. If you are a religious person, then know that you do have options in Estonia, though they may be slightly limited. If you are not a religious person, then enjoy the cultural, historical, and architectural significance of the houses of worship. If I missed explaining any other religions that exist in Estonia, as I’m sure I have, then apologies as this was just a general overview. But either way, we hope to see you in Tartu in the future.
Rest of the pictures belong to the author.
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