Metr. Hilarion Concelebrates with Patr. Kirill in Russia

Photo: patriarchia.ru

MOSCOW — His Eminence Metr. Hilarion (Alfeyev) has returned to Russia and concelebrated with His Holiness Patr. Kirill of Moscow and All Russia at Holy Trinity–St. Sergius Lavra on the feast of Pentecost. The service marked his first public liturgical appearance following his return from the Czech Republic.

The Metropolitan arrived in Russia in the early hours of May 30 after traveling from the Czech Republic via Hungary and Turkey. Metr. Hilarion told RIA Novosti that he left the Czech Republic by car with a diplomatic escort to Hungary, then continued by air through Istanbul to Moscow. He was detained on May 24 by Czech police along with a videographer after their vehicle was stopped and officers allegedly discovered prohibited substances in the trunk.

He was held on suspicion of drug possession and was released without charge or conditions on May 26. The Metropolitan has categorically denied any involvement, insisting the substances were planted in his vehicle and calling for those responsible to be identified.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Metr. Hilarion was released without charges as the Czech investigation continued.

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