The Estonian Orthodox Church Lost a Legal Dispute Over the Lease of Premises in Tallinn

The Estonian Supreme Court has definitively closed the case regarding the right to use non-residential premises in Tallinn’s historic center, refusing to hear the Estonian Orthodox Church’s appeal. According to ERR.EE, this decision is final and cannot be further appealed, bringing an end to the protracted legal proceedings.

The dispute over the premises, which the Church had occupied under a perpetual lease agreement, began on April 17, 2024, when the Kesklinn District Council decided to terminate the contract. The church attempted to challenge the city authorities’ actions in court but lost the case successively in the Harju County Court in August 2025 and in the Tallinn District Court in June 2026.

Commenting on the situation, Tallinn Mayor Peeter Raudsepp emphasized that the city government’s actions were entirely lawful. Currently, according to a source, the parties have reached a preliminary verbal agreement regarding the procedure for vacating the building. The district administration intends to ensure that the premises are returned to municipal use as soon as possible for their further utilization.

As a reminder, the international human rights organization Justice pour Tous Internationale (JPTi) appealed to the Estonian authorities with an official request to reconsider the decision to deny residency to Metropolitan Evgeny (Reshetnikov), head of the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate.