The head of the Estonian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Evgeniy of Tallinn and All Estonia, left the country after his residence permit was not renewed, a development reported by RIA News through a source within the Estonian Orthodox Church. The departure marks a significant moment for church governance as the metropolitan steps away from the homeland amid ongoing questions about cross border spiritual leadership and church autonomy. [Source: RIA News via EPC]
According to the source, Metropolitan Evgeniy was in the Pukhtitsa Dormition Stavropegic Monastery in Kuremäe and later attended a service in St. today, observing the memorial day of Blessed Xenia of St. Petersburg. The report notes that it was morning when these events took place, underscoring the immediacy of the metropolitan’s movements during this period of administrative transition in the church. [Source: EPC]
The Estonian Police and Border Guard Department confirmed that the extension request for the residence permit, which had expired on February 6, was denied. This decision effectively ends the metropolitan’s stay under the previous residence arrangement, prompting questions about the church’s leadership and future arrangements for spiritual administration within Estonia. [Source: Estonian authorities]
Historically, the Estonian Orthodox Church secured the right to self-government in 1920, a status reaffirmed by Moscow Patriarch Alexander II in 1993, and subsequently recognized in the Tomos by Alexy II and All Rus. Metropolitan Evgeniy, who has led the church since 2018, indicated an intention to continue guiding the church should he return to Russia, signaling an ongoing discussion about jurisdiction, governance, and the role of church leaders across national borders. [Source: historical context]
In parallel, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna issued a policy in June 2023 restricting Patriarch Kirill from entering the country, reflecting broader political tensions affecting religious figures and institutions. The broader international stance has also included sanctions from the Czech government on Patriarch Kirill in earlier times, illustrating how state policy intersects with religious leadership in Europe. [Sources: government statements]
These developments together illustrate the delicate balance between church autonomy, state sovereignty, and international relations in the Baltic region. They also raise questions about succession planning within the Estonian Orthodox Church and how leadership transitions will be managed if Metropolitan Evgeniy is unable to return to Estonia or choose to relocate. Observers suggest that the church will likely engage in careful dialogue with Moscow and Tallinn authorities to ensure continuity of liturgical life and ecclesial governance, while respecting Estonia’s immigration and residency frameworks. [Source: aggregation of reports]