Patr. Kirill Reassigns Metr. Hilarion to Brazil

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MOSCOW — Metr. Hilarion (Alfeyev) has been assigned to serve in the Argentine and South American Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church, according to a decree issued June 3 by Patr. Kirill of Moscow and All Russia.

The decree states that Metr. Hilarion was transferred because it had become impossible, due to what were described as “objective circumstances,” for him to continue carrying out an earlier Holy Synod decision that designated the Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic, as his place of service. Under the new assignment, he is to serve at the Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul in Santa Rosa, Brazil (population 80,000), and reside at the Church of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian in Campina das Missões, Brazil (population 5,900). Although the primary language spoken in Campina das Missões is Brazilian Portuguese, a substantial portion of the inhabitants speak both Russian and a German dialect that is taught in local schools.

The reassignment follows a highly publicized incident in the Czech Republic in late May. Metr. Hilarion and his driver were detained after police stopped their vehicle and reportedly discovered containers holding a prohibited substance in the trunk. Czech authorities later released both men without charges, bail requirements, travel restrictions, or other conditions, although the investigation remains ongoing.

Forensic testing reportedly confirmed that the seized material was a prohibited substance, but Metr. Hilarion has consistently denied any involvement. His legal representatives have argued that the central question is how the substance came to be in the vehicle and have called for a full investigation into the anonymous tip that prompted the stop, access to the vehicle before the journey, and the handling of evidence.

After his release, Metr. Hilarion returned to Russia and concelebrated with Patr. Kirill at Holy Trinity–St. Sergius Lavra on Pentecost, marking his first public liturgical appearance since the incident.

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

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