The Divine Liturgy resonates through Estonian prayers at the Kirikla Orthodox Monastery. Bishop Damaskinos, wearing ornate white and gold vestments, leads these prayers in a humble chapel within a farmhouse. Established last year, this monastery marks the Estonian Apostolic Orthodox Church’s first in decades. Previously, the country had two Orthodox churches, one aligned with the Moscow Patriarchate, which holds a larger following in Estonia. Despite this, the Estonian Apostolic Orthodox Church has long aimed to revive its male monastic community.
Bishop Damaskinos, aged 41, and the Rev. Paisios, are pioneers at this new monastery, situated about 40 kilometers from Tallinn. Although the church network boasts over 60 churches and a convent, Estonia hadn’t seen Orthodox monks for over 80 years. Daily prayers by these monks in their chapel extend their impact globally. “We pray for the whole world,” Damaskinos stated.
Monastic life draws young people. Damaskinos tends the monastery’s garden, wearing a broad-brimmed straw hat and black cassock, while Paisios cultivates potatoes with young volunteers. The monks have little leisure time; they alternate between work, prayers, and services. This disciplined lifestyle, removed from the stress of daily life, provides them with a sense of peace. It also appeals to the youth, as observed by Paisios.
Estonia, a country with a population of about 1.3 million, is largely secular. Priit Rohtmets, a church history associate professor at the University of Tartu, notes rising religious interest among young Estonians. “They lack negative experiences with religion,” Rohtmets commented, “which opens doors for religious communities.”
To become a monk, an individual must begin as a novice, following the daily routines for up to three years. Once deemed ready by the abbot, the novice takes vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, commits to lifelong monasticism, and chooses a new name. Monks differ from Orthodox priests, who may marry and live in parishes. Although Kirikla Monastery currently houses only Damaskinos and Paisios, the bishop prioritizes spiritual quality over quantity. “We focus on monks’ dedication to global prayers,” he said.
The monks’ day starts at dawn with solitary prayers, followed by daily tasks like gardening or building. They observe evening prayers before finally having free time. Damaskinos follows traditions he learned at Mount Athos, a revered monastic center in Greece.
This monastery, the first established by the Estonian Apostolic Orthodox Church in decades, attracts youth seeking a retreat from modern life. While still accommodating to their new environment, the monks invite the public on specific days through social media. Visitors and pilgrims are welcomed to experience their lifestyle and find respite from their busy lives. “Monastic life is challenging, but through hardships, we discover happiness,” Damaskinos remarked. “I hope visitors see the joy we embody.”
Building the monastic community is a priority. Although Kirikla Monastery is the sole Orthodox one in Estonia, other faiths have their own communities. A Dominican order established a monastery in Tallinn in 1996, joined by a Theravada Buddhist monastery on Aegna Island. Kirikla Monastery’s establishment is significant in 2026, as many European monasteries face closures due to fewer monks joining.
Though the monastery lacks additional structures beyond its donated farmhouse, Damaskinos focuses on planning ahead. The monks might generate income from garden produce or homemade crafts, but the bishop values spiritual development over physical growth. “What matters more is building the brotherhood,” he said. “This ongoing effort lays the groundwork for future monastic life in Estonia.”
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