Hilarion Alfeyev

Hilarion Alfeyev, born on July twenty-fourth, nineteen sixty-six, is a distinguished figure in the realms of theology, music, and church leadership. A retired bishop of the Russian Orthodox Church, he has made significant contributions as a composer, theologian, and church historian. His scholarly works encompass dogmatic theology, patristics, and church history, alongside a rich portfolio of compositions for choir and orchestra.

From two thousand nine until two thousand twenty-two, Hilarion served as the titular metropolitan of Volokolamsk and held the esteemed position of chairman of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate. His role as an ex officio permanent member of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church further solidified his influence within the church. Additionally, he was the rector of the church-wide postgraduate and doctoral studies named after Saints Cyril and Methodius.

In June two thousand twenty-two, a significant shift occurred when Hilarion was removed from his leadership role in the Department of External Church Relations and dismissed as Metropolitan of Volokolamsk. Subsequently, he was appointed to the Metropolis of Budapest and Hungary. However, his tenure was short-lived, as he faced suspension from all positions in July two thousand twenty-four, culminating in his official dismissal on December twenty-seventh, two thousand twenty-four.