Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev) has been assigned to serve in the Argentine and South American Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church following a decree issued by Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia on June 3, 2026.
According to the Patriarchal decree, the decision was made due to the impossibility, under the current circumstances, of Metropolitan Hilarion continuing the ministry previously assigned to him by the Holy Synod at the Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic. That appointment had been approved by the Holy Synod on December 27, 2024.
Under the new assignment, Metropolitan Hilarion is designated to serve at the Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul in Santa Rosa, Brazil, as well as at the Church of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian in Campina das Missões, Brazil.
The Patriarchal decree states that these churches are to become the Metropolitan’s new place of ministry and residence.
The reassignment follows Metropolitan Hilarion’s recent return to Russia after his temporary detention in the Czech Republic in connection with an ongoing investigation by local authorities. Metropolitan Hilarion has categorically denied any involvement in illegal activities and has maintained that the substances allegedly discovered in a vehicle in which he was traveling were placed there by third parties.
Earlier this week, Metropolitan Hilarion concelebrated with Patriarch Kirill during the Divine Liturgy for the Feast of Pentecost at the Holy Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra, marking his first public appearance since the incident.
No further details have been released regarding the timing of his departure to Brazil or the commencement of his new pastoral duties.
Read the announcement in Russian below:
