Russian Orthodox Synod Removes Metropolitan Hilarion Temporarily

OCP News Service – 27/07/2024

Moscow – Russia: In a dramatic development that has sent shockwaves through the Orthodox world, the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church has announced the temporary removal of Metropolitan Hilarion Alfeyev from his position as head of the Budapest – Hungarian diocese on 25th July 2024. The Holy Synod also decided to form a Commission to study the situation in the Budapest-Hungarian Diocese. Furthermore, the Holy Synod entrusted the interim management of the diocese to Metropolitan Nestor of Korsun and Western Europe, the Patriarchal Exarch for Western Europe. Concurrently, Metropolitan Hilarion was permanently relieved of his duties as President of the Synodal Theological Commission and Chairman of the Theological Committee. Bishop Methodius of Yegoreyevsk, recently appointed to these roles just ten days prior, has been confirmed in these positions.

As the former Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations (DECR), Hilarion was the public face of the Russian Orthodox Church on the global stage. His diplomatic acumen and theological erudition earned him respect and influence in ecclesiastical circles worldwide. The DECR, under his leadership, played a pivotal role in shaping the Church’s external relations, engaging in dialogue with other Christian denominations, and fostering unity among Orthodox churches. He was appointed as the metropolitan of Budapest and Hungary in 2022.

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OCP News Service