Orthodox Chapel Consecrated in Ceremony
An Orthodox chapel in a site with a long history has been consecrated in Malvaste village on the island of Hiiumaa.
Administered by Metropolitan Stefanus of the Estonian Apostolic Orthodox Church, the ceremony and liturgy spanned five hours on July 25, ETV reported.
"This is a very important event for the congregation," said Avo Tölpt, priest of the Hiiumaa chapter of the church. "For the Kõrgessaare congregation this is currently the only place to meet and worship."
The architecturally unique wooden Malvaste chapel was built in 1925 in a cemetery, but a pre-existing structure is older, probably from around 1906.
The Kõrgessaare Orthodox congregation consists of 28 people.
"There are not many Orthodox people on Hiiumaa now," said Tölpt, "but I think that people who have previously been in the confession will come back and religion will continue to play an important role."
In the late 19th century, many traditionally Lutheran Estonians converted to Orthodoxy. Most of the church today is affiliated with the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Kristopher Rikken