Metropolitan Pavel of Ryazan and Mikhailov appointed head of Belarusian Orthodox Church
MINSK, 25 December (BelTA) – Metropolitan Pavel of Ryazan and Mikhailov has been appointed Metropolitan of Minsk and Slutsk, informs the official website of the Moscow Patriarchate.
Metropolitan Pavel of Ryazan and Mikhailov was born in Karaganda on 19 February 1952. In 1973-1976, he attended the Moscow School of Theology. In 1980 he graduated from the Moscow Theological Academy with a degree in theology.
On 19 February 1992 by the decision of the Holy Synod he was appointed Bishop of Zaraisk and was put in charge of the patriarchal parishes in the United States and in Canada. In 1999, he was appointed Bishop of Vienna and Austria. In 2001 he became Archbishop with the title of Vienna and Budapest.
On 5-6 October 2011 following the decision of the Holy Synod, he was given the title of Ryazan and Mikhailov, and was appointed head of the newly created metropolia of Ryazan. On 8 October 2011 he was elevated to the rank of Metropolitan.
Metropolitan Filaret of Minsk and Slutsk, Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus, retired having reached the age of 75.
