Estonia recognized Yevhen (Valeriy Reshetnikov), head of the Tallinn Metropolis of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC), as a threat to national security. He was refused an extension of his residence permit.
That’s according to Postimees.
The metropolitan’s permit is valid until February 6. After that, he shall leave Estonia.
The Metropolitan of the Russian Orthodox Church called on Estonians to participate in the action of the pro-Russian organization Koos (“Together”) – a prayer for peace in Tallinn in the winter of 2023. Over this event, he was summoned by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Diplomats repeatedly communicated with Reshetnikov.
According to the Estonian authorities, Valery Reshetnikov pursued his pro-Russian rhetoric, despite a warning from the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Therefore, he was recognized as a threat to national security.
“As a religious leader, he [the metropolitan] gives a holy blessing to Russia’s aggression… The Estonian government does not interfere in the internal affairs of the church in any way. The Church can continue its normal activities,” Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets said, adding that the Moscow patriarch is an “extension” of the Kremlin.
