EESTI ÕIGEUSU KOGUDUSTE LIKVIDEERIMINE NIKITA HRUŠTŠOVI AJAL AASTAIL 1954–1964
LIQUIDATION OF ORTHODOX CONGREGATIONS IN THE ESTONIAN EPARCHY UNDER THE RULE OF NIKITA KHRUSHCHEV IN 1954–1964

Summary/Abstract: The Estonian Orthodox Eparchy suffered many changes between 1954 and 1964. The beginning of the rule of N. Khrushchev changed drastically not only the policy of internal and external affairs, but also the life of churches and parishes in the Soviet Union. The new policy of religion caused the liquidation boom of religious congregations. Two periods can be distinguished in the policy of religion at that time: a liberal and a harsh period. In 1954–59 the religious affairs were handled quite liberally and tolerantly by Soviet authorities. Liquidation meant just official registration of the closing of the congregations that had already been closed. Generally, the process of closing Orthodox churches was peaceful. The years 1960–64 are characterized by systematic violent liquidation of Orthodox congregations. In these years 18 churches and 5 subordinate churches were closed in Estonia. This makes up 74% of the total number of Orthodox churches closed during the decade under discussion. The liquidation of the congregations was carried out according to a certain scenario, and the pretexts and motives used were but formal and unrealistic.

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