Sergiev Posad, Moscow Province, Russia, June 1, 2026
Met. Hilarion is behind the deacon’s right shoulder. Photo: patriarchia.ru
His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev) has returned to Russia and concelebrated with His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia at Holy Trinity–St. Sergius Lavra yesterday, on the feast of Pentecost.
The Metropolitan arrived in Russia in the early hours of May 30, having traveled from the Czech Republic via Hungary and Turkey. Following his release from Czech custody, he departed by car to Hungary in the company of Russian diplomats, flew from Budapest to Istanbul, and continued on to Moscow, as he told RIA-Novosti.
Met. Hilarion had been detained by Czech police on May 24 together with a videographer who was travelling with him, after their vehicle was stopped and officers allegedly discovered prohibited substances in the boot.
He was released on May 26 without charge, without bail, and without any additional conditions. He has categorically denied any connection to the substances and maintains they were planted in his vehicle.
The Metropolitan has previously stated that the question of where he will continue his ministry rests entirely with Patriarch Kirill, and that he hopes to meet with the Patriarch in the near future.
Follow OrthoChristian on Facebook, Twitter, Vkontakte, Telegram, WhatsApp, and MeWe!
