Patriarch Kirill of Moscow has dismissed a metropolitan for allegedly being addicted to poker.

Metropolitan Nestor (Evgeny Sirotenko) of Korsun and Western Europe has been removed from the leadership position of the Exarchate of Western Europe by Patriarch Kirill, citing the initiation of ecclesiastical judicial proceedings against him. His duties have been temporarily transferred to Metropolitan Mark of Ryazan. The exact reason for the dismissal has not been disclosed, but sources indicate the patriarch's dissatisfaction with Nestor's passion for poker, participating in international tournaments under his secular name, with winnings of over 47 thousand dollars.

Church rules prohibit gambling, and the Supreme Court of the Russian Orthodox Church will evaluate these facts. However, it is speculated that the real reason may be Nestor's positions against Russia's invasion of Ukraine and his refusal to dismiss priest Andrei Kordochkin, who has been banned by the patriarch. Additionally, Nestor has had meetings with representatives of the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Ukraine, contrary to the directive of the Moscow Patriarchate. Critical opinions from some researchers suggest that the dismissal could be a reaction to his unconventional positions and the support he provided to his priests.