On February 5, 2024, the Police and Border Guard Department of the Republic of Estonia officially notified Metropolitan Yevgeny of Tallinn and All Estonia that he had been refused an extension of a temporary residence permit.
Representatives of the Department handed over to Metropolitan Yevgeny the notification and the decision to refuse to extend the residence permit in the Church Administration.
On February 6, Vladyka Eugene leaves Estonia. Before leaving, the Primate of the Estonian Orthodox Church addressed his flock with a parting word:
"Right Reverend archpastors, honorable fathers, dear brothers and sisters!
Christ is Risen!
According to the Apostle Paul, we Christians should always accept all circumstances that happen to us with complacency: "Always rejoice, pray incessantly, thank you for everything!" (2 Thess. 5:16). And this joy and complacency of ours do not stem from any earthly successes and achievements, but from our faith: "Behold the joy of the Cross to the whole world." And this joy, as Christ says, "no one will take away from you" (John 16:22). Therefore, in these days I would like to appeal to you to remain complacent, thank God for everything and not lose the spiritual joy that the Lord expects from all of us.
And we really have something to thank God for! A lot of things have happened in the past few days. For the first time in 34 years, episcopal consecration was performed in our Church on Estonian soil, a Synod meeting was held this week, a Council was convened and held. Two deacons have been ordained to holy orders in the last six months. Youth, cultural and educational events are taking place. And most importantly, the divine service and church sacraments are performed in our temples! And it is very important for us not to forget this and to thank the Lord God for everything! I urge you all, in the words of the Apostle Paul, to "preserve the unity of the spirit in the union of peace" (Ephesians 4:3).
We hope that further, with God's help, church life will not change and will continue in its rhythm. There are two vicar bishops in Estonia who, with my blessing, can exercise the full powers of the Primate of our Church. In turn, I stay in touch and continue to take care of the Church entrusted to me, even remotely.
May the All-merciful Lord help us all to walk the path of the commandments of Christ, approaching His Heavenly Kingdom!
Christ is in our midst!
May God's blessing be upon you all!"