Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church to honor 81 individuals

The Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church (EELK) will hold a ceremony at the Tallinn Cathedral on October 18, 2026, to honor 81 individuals for their contributions to the church, culture, and local communities.

President Alar Karis is set to receive the EELK Service Cross of the First Class, a recognition of his respectful and open dialogue with the church as a partner. The Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to theologian and translator Kalle Kasemaa for his long-term impact on Estonian theological thought. Other notable recipients include Lauri Bambus, who will receive the Service Cross of the Third Class, and Üllar Salumets, who will receive the Second Class cross.

Among the honorees is Hendrik Allsaar, a member of the Põltsamaa congregation board, who will receive the Service Cross of the Third Class. Allsaar has been recognized for his decades of support for the congregation, including his economic leadership and efforts to maintain the church's presence and reputation since the late 1980s.