ABSTRACT

Orthodox believers in Estonia constitute the majority of self-identifying churchgoers (according to the 2011 census). They are, however, divided ethnically and institutionally. While religion is an important source of identity, Orthodoxy in particular has been often identified with nationalism . This article explores the complex identity and self-understanding of the Orthodox minority in Estonia. Contrary to studies examining conflict and irreconcilable differences, we focus on social and religious practices and discourses that de-emphasize institutional and methodological ethnocentricity and provide an alternative heuristic framework for understanding forms of co-existence, tolerance, and solidarity. Through combining historical research and sociological interviews, the article argues that some forms of grass-root solidarity have been neglected or downplayed, while the differences have been exaggerated and taken as intrinsic by church and political actors.

摘要

爱沙尼亚的东正教信徒占自我认同的去教堂者的大多数（根据 2011 年人口普查）。然而，他们在种族和制度上存在分歧。虽然宗教是身份的重要来源，但东正教尤其经常被视为民族主义。本文探讨了爱沙尼亚东正教少数民族的复杂身份和自我理解。与研究冲突和不可调和的差异的研究相反，我们关注的是社会和宗教实践和话语，这些实践和话语不强调制度和方法论的种族中心主义，并为理解共存、宽容和团结的形式提供了另一种启发式框架。通过结合历史研究和社会学访谈，