Russian Orthodox Church Synod retires Metropolitan Hilarion of Donetsk

Metropolitan Hilarion of Donetsk. Photo: svlavra.church.ua

The Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church has retired Metropolitan Hilarion of Donetsk and Mariupol. This decision was made on October 24, 2024, in Moscow, according to the official website patriarchia.ru.

The decision (Journal No. 107) was based on "the health condition of His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion of Donetsk and Mariupol, which significantly hinders his ability to manage the diocese, especially in a region affected by ongoing military conflict."

Metropolitan Hilarion has been assigned to reside in the Simferopol Diocese during his retirement, while receiving financial support from the Donetsk Diocesan Administration.

"Metropolitan Vladimir of Vladivostok and Primorye has been appointed the new Metropolitan of Donetsk and Mariupol," the statement reads.

As previously reported, Metropolitan Hilarion once said, "We believe God will hear His Beatitude's prayer for our land."

Read also

Court to choose preventive measure for Met. Arseniy in Dnipro on December 5

The prosecutor demands that the detention of the UOC hierarch be extended.

Khmelnytskyi Eparchy delivers 20 tons of food to Kyiv Theological Schools

Believers of the UOC eparchy collected vegetables, grains, and oil for KDAiS students.

Pashinyan forbids priests to mention Armenian Church head during services

The Prime Minister of Armenia publicly confirmed that state structures demand that Catholicos Karekin II be not commemorated during services attended by the politician.

Pope and Slovak President discuss consequences of war in Ukraine for Europe

During the meeting, the Pontiff and the Slovak President discussed the international situation, with particular attention to the war in Ukraine.

UOC monastery in Kniazhychi faces imminent takeover – lawyer

A UOC lawyer has reported a risk of the forcible eviction of the brethren of the Transfiguration Monastery on the morning of December 5.

Orthodox Church in Czech Republic faces threat of losing special rights

The Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic has initiated administrative proceedings against the Church amid the bankruptcy of the Prague Diocese.