Moscow Patriarchate structures in Lithuania remain dependent on decisions made in Moscow.

This was stated by former Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė during the presentation of an international analytical study entitled “The Use of Religion as an Instrument of Influence and a Threat to the Security of Lithuania and Europe in the Context of Russian Military Aggression”.

“Decisions about what happens in Lithuania, who is appointed to positions, who will be in charge and so on are not made independently. These decisions depend to a considerable extent on Moscow,” Šimonytė said.

According to the former prime minister, although the Moscow Patriarchate’s ability to influence developments in Lithuania is limited, religious structures in other European countries may be used much more actively to interfere in domestic politics.

Šimonytė also highlighted the importance of developing the Exarchate of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople in Lithuania as an alternative for Orthodox believers.

At the same time, she argued that assessments of potential threats associated with the Moscow Patriarchate should focus on the activities of specific individuals and possible violations of the law, rather than being based solely on religious affiliation.