- «Instituted in 1995 to honour the independence of the Estonian state. The Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana is bestowed by the President of the Republic on foreigners who have rendered special services to the Republic of Estonia. The Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana comprises six classes» (cf. https://www.president.ee/en/estonia/decorations/decorations).
An excellent document by the Office of the President of the Republic of Estonia:
