Estonia does not renew the residence permit of the head of the pro-Russian Orthodox Church: the metropolitan is accused of supporting the war in Ukraine.
Estonia refuses to extend the residence permit of the head of the pro-Russian Orthodox Church.
Reported authorities believe that Metropolitan Eugene supports the Russian invasion of Ukraine and represents “a risk to state security.”
The 66-year-old cleric must leave Estonia before February 7.
Indrek Aru, Head of the Border Guard, Northern Estonian Prefecture: “This has nothing to do with the church, we don’t see any danger in the church, it concerns a specific person. It has nothing to do with the church. certainly no connection with the religious movement in general, we don’t see a problem there.”
The cleric’s civil name is Valeri Rechetnkikov.
The metropolitan denies representing a threat to Estonia.
Metropolitan Eugene, Head of the Russian Orthodox Church in Estonia: “I am against any form of war. This has already been said in our messages, so there is nothing new to add here.”
About 15% of Estonians are Orthodox Christians.
A little less than half are loyal to the Moscow Patriarchate. The rest belong to the Estonian Apostolic Orthodox Church.