The Ukrainian and Russian Orthodox communities have observed a transition in the Crimean Metropolis, as Metropolitan Tikhon (Shevkunov) received appointment to lead the Crimean Metropolis of the Russian Orthodox Church. Reports from the church’s press service confirm the change in leadership and administrative responsibilities across Simferopol and Crimea.
The announcement describes Metropolitan Tikhon of Pskov and Porkhov as being released from his duties in the Pskov Metropolis, stepping away from the role of holy archimandrite and abbot at the Assumption Pskov-Pechersky Monastery, and from the position of Holy Archimandrite of the Annunciation Nikandrovsky Monastery. The statement notes his transfer to the post as head of the Crimean Metropolis as part of a broader reorganization within the church’s regional leadership.
In the wake of this change, Lazar, the Metropolitan of Simferopol and Crimea who previously held the position, has retired from his duties. The leadership reins for the Pskov region will be taken by Yuryev Bishop Arseny, a vicar of the Novgorod diocese, who has also been appointed abbots of the Pskov-Pechersky Monastery.
The reorganization follows a pivotal move last June when the dioceses of Canöy, Simferopol and Feodosia, previously part of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, were placed under direct subordination to Patriarch Kirill and united to form the Crimean Metropolis of the Russian Orthodox Church. This transition marked a significant realignment of church governance in the region, reflecting broader administrative and ecclesial changes across the area.
In a separate public comment, it was noted that discussions and outreach remain ongoing with various spiritual communities and faith institutions in Moscow and beyond, as the church continues to address the needs and hopes of its congregations in Crimea and the surrounding territories.