Hilarion Alfeyev
Encyclopedia
Hilarion Alfeyev is a bishop of the Russian Orthodox Church
. At present he is the Metropolitan of Volokolamsk, the chairman of the Department of External Church Relations and a permanent member of the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Moscow
. He is also a noted theologian, church historian and composer and has published books on dogmatic theology
, patristics
and church history
as well as numerous compositions for choir and orchestra.
. From 1972 to 1982 he studied violin, piano and composition at the Moscow Gnessins School and from 1983 to 1986 at the Moscow State Conservatoire. Between 1984-1986 he served in the Soviet military.
In January 1987, after serving in the military, he became a monk (see below under Church Activity). In 1989 he graduated from the Moscow Theological Seminary and in 1991 from the Moscow Theological Academy with the degree of Master of Theology
.
From 1991 to 1993 he taught Homiletics
, Dogmatic Theology
, New Testament
Studies and Byzantine Greek at the Moscow Theological Academy, St Tikhon
’s Theological Institute and St John the Theologian’s Orthodox University.
From 1993 to 1995 he studied at the University of Oxford
(UK) under the supervision of Bishop Kallistos Ware
. In 1995 he completed his doctoral thesis on ‘St Symeon the New Theologian
and Orthodox Tradition
’ and was awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy
.
of the Holy Spirit
in Vilnius
, Lithuania
, where he was tonsure
d as a monk
on 19 June, ordained
a deacon
on 21 June and ordained priest
on 19 August in the same year. Until 1991 he served as parish priest in Lithuania, including two years as dean
of Annunciation Cathedral in Kaunas
.
From 1995 to 2001 Alfeyev served as Secretary for Inter-Christian Affairs of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate. He also taught part time at Smolensk
and Kaluga
Theological Seminaries (Russia), at St Vladimir’s
and St Herman’s
Theological Seminary (USA) and at Cambridge University (UK).
On 27 December 2001 he was nominated bishop
. On 14 January 2002 he was consecrated by Alexy II, Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia, and 10 other hierarchs.
He was appointed Assistant (Vicar) Bishop in the Diocese of Sourozh
in the UK, but as a result of an acute conflict situation around him and at Metropolitan Anthony
's request, the Holy Synod decided, only a few months later, on 17 July 2002, that he was to be transferred and nominated as Head of the Representation of the Russian Orthodox Church to the European Institutions in Brussels
.
On 7 May 2003 he was appointed Bishop of Vienna
and Austria
, administrator of the Diocese of Budapest and Hungary, in addition to his position in Brussels, which he continues to hold.
On March 31, 2009 he was appointed the Bishop of Volokolamsk, the Vicar to His Holiness the Patriarch of Moscow and all Rus, the chairman of the Department of the External Church Relations (the position previously held by the current Patriarch Kirill himself), and a permanent member of the Holy Synod
, ex officio.
On Easter Monday
, 2009 was raised to an archbishop
by Patriarch Kirill during the Divine Liturgy
in The Dormition Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin
. On 1 February 2010, at a Liturgy to celebrate the first anniversary of the enthronement of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, he was raised to the rank of Metropolitan. http://www.egliserusse.eu/Le-patriarche-Cyrille-celebre-le-premier-anniversaire-de-son-intronisation_a926.html
"The Orthodox Church as a whole does not have a unified structural or administrative format. Administratively, it is, if one can say so, a confederation of autocephalous, that is, completely independent of one another" http://www.mospat.ru/en/2010/07/19/news22093/
This theory may be termed "radical autocephaly" and is a concept not held by all members of the Orthodox Churches.
Apart from his doctoral degree in philosophy from Oxford, Archbishop Hilarion also holds a doctorate in theology from St. Sergius Orthodox Theological Institute
in Paris
, which was awarded to him in 1999. In February 2005 he was elected a Privat-Dozent of the University of Fribourg
(Switzerland).
, of the Presidium of ‘Faith and Order’ Commission, as well as of numerous bilateral theological dialogues. In 1998 he headed the 5-member Moscow Patriarchate delegation to the 8th WCC Assembly in Harare, and in February 2006 head the Moscow Patriarchate's 21-member delegation to the 9th Assembly in Porto-Alegre.
Metropolitan Hilarion is a permanent member of the Joint International Commissions for the Theological Dialogue between the Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church
, between the Orthodox Church and the Anglican Church, between the Orthodox Church and the World Alliance of Reformed Churches
. He is also interested in interfaith dialogue among all major world religions, and currently sits on the Board of World Religious Leaders for the Elijah Interfaith Institute
.
On 10 October 2007 Bishop Hilarion walked out of an important meeting of the Orthodox-Roman Catholic International Theological Commission at Ravenna, allegedly in protest against the choice of delegates by the Ecumenical Patriarchate. His action was approved by the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church http://orthodoxeurope.org/#19-2-410 http://www.cathnews.com/news/710/70.php
On 5 October 2008 Bishop Hilarion took part in the "Bible marathon" organized by the Italian state TV channel RAI-Uno. He read Chapter Two from the Book of Genesis, immediately following Pope Benedict XVI, who read Chapter One. Bishop Hilarion was followed by 1246 readers from various countries.
In September 2009, at the invitation of Cardinal Walter Kasper, he visited Pope Benedict XVI
and several officials of the Roman Curia
who have key roles in Roman Catholic ecumenical dialogue
.
Late in 2010, Metropolitan Hilarion gave an important speech to senior Anglican bishops and professors at the Nikean Club dinner at Lambeth Palace
http://www.mospat.ru/en/2010/09/10/news25819/, criticizing proposals for the ordination of women bishops and the alleged toleration of homosexual activity by some Anglicans.
2. The Spiritual World of Isaac the Syrian. Cistercian Studies No 175. Kalamazoo, Michigan: Cistercian Publications, 2000.
3. The Mystery of Faith. Introduction to the Teaching and Spirituality of the Orthodox Church. London: Darton, Longman and Todd, 2002.
4. Orthodox Witness in a Modern Age. Geneva: WCC Publications, 2006.
5. Christ the Conqueror of Hell. The Descent into Hell in Orthodox Tradition. New York: SVS Press, 2009.
7.L’univers spirituel d’Isaac le Syrien. Bellefontaine, 2001.
8.Syméon le Studite. Discours ascétique. Introduction, texte critique et notes par H. Alfeyev. Sources Chrétiennes
460. Paris: Cerf, 2001.
9.Le chantre de la lumière. Initiation à la spiritualité de saint Grégoire de Nazianze. Paris: Cerf, 2006.
10.Le mystère sacré de l’Eglise. Introduction à l’histoire et à la problématique des débats athonites sur la vénération du Nom de Dieu. Fribourg: Academic Press, 2007.
11.Le Nom grand et glorieux. La vénération du Nom de Dieu et la prière de Jésus dans la tradition orthodoxe. Paris: Cerf, 2007.
13.La forza dell’amore. L’universo spirituale di sant’Isacco il Syro. Bose: Qiqajon, 2003.
14.Cristo Vincitore degli inferi. Bose: Qiqajon, 2003.
22.Отцы и учители Церкви III века. Антология. Т. 1-2. М.: Круглый стол по религиозному образованию и диаконии, 1996.
23.Жизнь и учение св. Григория Богослова. М.: Изд-во Крутицкого патриаршего подворья, 1998. Издание второе — СПб.: Алетейя, 2001.
24.Духовный мир преподобного Исаака Сирина. М.: Изд-во Крутицкого патриаршего подворья, 1998. Издание второе — СПб.: Алетейя, 2001.
25.Преподобный Симеон Новый Богослов и православное Предание. М.: Изд-во Крутицкого патриаршего подворья, 1998. Издание второе — СПб.: Алетейя, 2001.
26.Преподобный Исаак Сирин. О божественных тайнах и о духовной жизни. Новооткрытые тексты. Перевод с сирийского. М.: Изд-во «Зачатьевский монастырь», 1998. Издание второе — СПб.: Алетейя, 2003.
27.Преподобный Симеон Новый Богослов. Главы богословские, умозрительные и практические. Перевод с греческого. М.: Изд-во «Зачатьевский монастырь», 1998.
28.Восточные Отцы и учители Церкви IV века. Антология. Т. 1-3. М.: Круглый стол по религиозному образованию и диаконии, 1998—1999.
29.Ночь прошла, а день приблизился. Проповеди и беседы. М.: Изд-во Крутицкого патриаршего подворья, 1999.
30.Православное богословие на рубеже эпох. Статьи, доклады. М.: Изд-во Крутицкого патриаршего подворья, 1999. Издание второе, дополненное — Киев: Дух i лiтера, 2002.
31.Преподобный Симеон Новый Богослов. «Прииди, Свет истинный». Избранные гимны в стихотворном переводе с греческого. СПб.: Алетейя, 2000.
32.Восточные Отцы и учители Церкви V века. Антология. М.: Круглый стол по религиозному образованию и диаконии, 2000.
33.Христос — Победитель ада. Тема сошествия во ад в восточно-христианской традиции. СПб.: Алетейя, 2001. Издание второе — СПб.: Алетейя, 2005.
34.О молитве. Клин: Фонд «Христианская жизнь», 2001. Издание второе — Клин: Фонд «Христианская жизнь», 2004.
35.Вы — свет мира. Беседы о христианской жизни. Клин: Фонд «Христианская жизнь», 2001. Издание второе — Клин: Фонд «Христианская жизнь», 2004.
36.Человеческий лик Бога. Проповеди. Клин: Фонд «Христианская жизнь», 2001.
37.Преподобный Симеон Новый Богослов. Преподобный Никита Стифат. Аскетические произведения в новых переводах. Клин: Фонд «Христианская жизнь», 2001.
38.Священная тайна Церкви. Введение в историю и проблематику имяславских споров. В двух томах. СПб.: Алетейя, 2002.
39.Во что верят православные христиане. Катехизические беседы. Клин: Фонд «Христианская жизнь», 2004.
40.Православное свидетельство в современном мире. СПб: Издательство Олега Абышко, 2006.
2. "The Divine Liturgy" for mixed choir (2006).
3. "The All-Night Vigil" for soloists and mixed choir (2006).
4. The "St Matthew Passion" for soloists, choir and orchestra (2006).
5. The "Christmas Oratorio" for soloists, boys' choir, mixed choir and symphony orchestra (2007).
6. "Memento" for symphony orchestra (2007).
7. "A Song of the Ascents". A symphony on the Psalms for choir and orchestra (2008).
Russian Orthodox Church
The Russian Orthodox Church or, alternatively, the Moscow Patriarchate The ROC is often said to be the largest of the Eastern Orthodox churches in the world; including all the autocephalous churches under its umbrella, its adherents number over 150 million worldwide—about half of the 300 million...
. At present he is the Metropolitan of Volokolamsk, the chairman of the Department of External Church Relations and a permanent member of the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Moscow
Moscow
Moscow is the capital, the most populous city, and the most populous federal subject of Russia. The city is a major political, economic, cultural, scientific, religious, financial, educational, and transportation centre of Russia and the continent...
. He is also a noted theologian, church historian and composer and has published books on dogmatic theology
Theology
Theology is the systematic and rational study of religion and its influences and of the nature of religious truths, or the learned profession acquired by completing specialized training in religious studies, usually at a university or school of divinity or seminary.-Definition:Augustine of Hippo...
, patristics
Patristics
Patristics or Patrology is the study of Early Christian writers, known as the Church Fathers. The names derive from the Latin pater . The period is generally considered to run from the end of New Testament times or end of the Apostolic Age Patristics or Patrology is the study of Early Christian...
and church history
History
History is the discovery, collection, organization, and presentation of information about past events. History can also mean the period of time after writing was invented. Scholars who write about history are called historians...
as well as numerous compositions for choir and orchestra.
Biography
Grigoriy Alfeyev was born on 24 July 1966 in MoscowMoscow
Moscow is the capital, the most populous city, and the most populous federal subject of Russia. The city is a major political, economic, cultural, scientific, religious, financial, educational, and transportation centre of Russia and the continent...
. From 1972 to 1982 he studied violin, piano and composition at the Moscow Gnessins School and from 1983 to 1986 at the Moscow State Conservatoire. Between 1984-1986 he served in the Soviet military.
In January 1987, after serving in the military, he became a monk (see below under Church Activity). In 1989 he graduated from the Moscow Theological Seminary and in 1991 from the Moscow Theological Academy with the degree of Master of Theology
Master of Theology
A Master of Theology is an advanced theological research degree offered by universities, divinity schools, and seminaries.-North America:In North America, the Master of Theology is considered by the Association of Theological Schools to be the minimum educational credential for teaching...
.
From 1991 to 1993 he taught Homiletics
Homiletics
Homiletics , in theology the application of the general principles of rhetoric to the specific department of public preaching. The one who practices or studies homiletics is called a homilist....
, Dogmatic Theology
Dogmatic theology
Dogmatic theology is that part of theology dealing with the theoretical truths of faith concerning God and his works, especially the official theology recognized by an organized Church body, such as the Roman Catholic Church, Dutch Reformed Church, etc...
, New Testament
New Testament
The New Testament is the second major division of the Christian biblical canon, the first such division being the much longer Old Testament....
Studies and Byzantine Greek at the Moscow Theological Academy, St Tikhon
Tikhon of Kaluga
Tikhon of Kaluga was a Russian abbot and saint. He grew up in Moscow and became a monk as a young man. He then moved to a forest near Medin in Kaluga, living in the hollow of an oak tree. It was on that spot that he founded a monastery, dedicated to the Dormition of the Mother of God ....
’s Theological Institute and St John the Theologian’s Orthodox University.
From 1993 to 1995 he studied at the University of Oxford
University of Oxford
The University of Oxford is a university located in Oxford, United Kingdom. It is the second-oldest surviving university in the world and the oldest in the English-speaking world. Although its exact date of foundation is unclear, there is evidence of teaching as far back as 1096...
(UK) under the supervision of Bishop Kallistos Ware
Timothy Ware
Kallistos Ware is an English bishop within the Greek Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarchate and one of the best known contemporary Eastern Orthodox theologians. From 1982 to his retirement in 2001 he held the position of Bishop of Diokleia...
. In 1995 he completed his doctoral thesis on ‘St Symeon the New Theologian
Symeon the New Theologian
Symeon the New Theologian was a Byzantine Christian monk and poet who was the last of three saints canonized by the Eastern Orthodox church and given the title of "Theologian"...
and Orthodox Tradition
Sacred Tradition
Sacred Tradition or Holy Tradition is a theological term used in some Christian traditions, primarily in the Roman Catholic, Anglican, Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox traditions, to refer to the fundamental basis of church authority....
’ and was awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy
Doctor of Philosophy
Doctor of Philosophy, abbreviated as Ph.D., PhD, D.Phil., or DPhil , in English-speaking countries, is a postgraduate academic degree awarded by universities...
.
Church activity
In January 1987 he entered the MonasteryMonastery
Monastery denotes the building, or complex of buildings, that houses a room reserved for prayer as well as the domestic quarters and workplace of monastics, whether monks or nuns, and whether living in community or alone .Monasteries may vary greatly in size – a small dwelling accommodating only...
of the Holy Spirit
Holy Spirit
Holy Spirit is a term introduced in English translations of the Hebrew Bible, but understood differently in the main Abrahamic religions.While the general concept of a "Spirit" that permeates the cosmos has been used in various religions Holy Spirit is a term introduced in English translations of...
in Vilnius
Vilnius
Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania, and its largest city, with a population of 560,190 as of 2010. It is the seat of the Vilnius city municipality and of the Vilnius district municipality. It is also the capital of Vilnius County...
, Lithuania
Lithuania
Lithuania , officially the Republic of Lithuania is a country in Northern Europe, the biggest of the three Baltic states. It is situated along the southeastern shore of the Baltic Sea, whereby to the west lie Sweden and Denmark...
, where he was tonsure
Tonsure
Tonsure is the traditional practice of Christian churches of cutting or shaving the hair from the scalp of clerics, monastics, and, in the Eastern Orthodox Church, all baptized members...
d as a monk
Monk
A monk is a person who practices religious asceticism, living either alone or with any number of monks, while always maintaining some degree of physical separation from those not sharing the same purpose...
on 19 June, ordained
Ordination
In general religious use, ordination is the process by which individuals are consecrated, that is, set apart as clergy to perform various religious rites and ceremonies. The process and ceremonies of ordination itself varies by religion and denomination. One who is in preparation for, or who is...
a deacon
Deacon
Deacon is a ministry in the Christian Church that is generally associated with service of some kind, but which varies among theological and denominational traditions...
on 21 June and ordained priest
Priest
A priest is a person authorized to perform the sacred rites of a religion, especially as a mediatory agent between humans and deities. They also have the authority or power to administer religious rites; in particular, rites of sacrifice to, and propitiation of, a deity or deities...
on 19 August in the same year. Until 1991 he served as parish priest in Lithuania, including two years as dean
Dean (religion)
A dean, in a church context, is a cleric holding certain positions of authority within a religious hierarchy. The title is used mainly in the Anglican Communion and the Roman Catholic Church.-Anglican Communion:...
of Annunciation Cathedral in Kaunas
Kaunas
Kaunas is the second-largest city in Lithuania and has historically been a leading centre of Lithuanian economic, academic, and cultural life. Kaunas was the biggest city and the center of a powiat in Trakai Voivodeship of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania since 1413. During Russian Empire occupation...
.
From 1995 to 2001 Alfeyev served as Secretary for Inter-Christian Affairs of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate. He also taught part time at Smolensk
Smolensk
Smolensk is a city and the administrative center of Smolensk Oblast, Russia, located on the Dnieper River. Situated west-southwest of Moscow, this walled city was destroyed several times throughout its long history since it was on the invasion routes of both Napoleon and Hitler. Today, Smolensk...
and Kaluga
Kaluga
Kaluga is a city and the administrative center of Kaluga Oblast, Russia, located on the Oka River southwest of Moscow. Population: It is served by Grabtsevo Airport.-History:...
Theological Seminaries (Russia), at St Vladimir’s
Saint Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary
Saint Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary is an Orthodox Christian seminary in Crestwood, New York, in the United States. Although it is under the omophorion of the Metropolitan of the Orthodox Church in America, it is a pan-Orthodox institution, providing theological education to students...
and St Herman’s
Saint Herman's Orthodox Theological Seminary
Saint Herman’s Orthodox Theological Seminary is an Orthodox Christian seminary located in Kodiak, Alaska, with a campus in Anchorage. Established as a pastoral school in 1972, the seminary now provides a number of educational programs to prepare students for work in the Orthodox Church, as readers,...
Theological Seminary (USA) and at Cambridge University (UK).
On 27 December 2001 he was nominated bishop
Bishop
A bishop is an ordained or consecrated member of the Christian clergy who is generally entrusted with a position of authority and oversight. Within the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox Churches, in the Assyrian Church of the East, in the Independent Catholic Churches, and in the...
. On 14 January 2002 he was consecrated by Alexy II, Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia, and 10 other hierarchs.
He was appointed Assistant (Vicar) Bishop in the Diocese of Sourozh
Russian Orthodox Diocese of Sourozh
The Russian Orthodox Diocese of Sourozh is a diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church which has for its territory the islands of Great Britain and Ireland. Its name is taken from an ancient see in the Crimea that no longer has a bishop...
in the UK, but as a result of an acute conflict situation around him and at Metropolitan Anthony
Metropolitan Anthony (Bloom) of Sourozh
Antony of Sourozh was best known as a writer and broadcaster on prayer and the Christian life. He was a monk and Metropolitan bishop of the Russian Orthodox Church...
's request, the Holy Synod decided, only a few months later, on 17 July 2002, that he was to be transferred and nominated as Head of the Representation of the Russian Orthodox Church to the European Institutions in Brussels
Brussels
Brussels , officially the Brussels Region or Brussels-Capital Region , is the capital of Belgium and the de facto capital of the European Union...
.
On 7 May 2003 he was appointed Bishop of Vienna
Vienna
Vienna is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Austria and one of the nine states of Austria. Vienna is Austria's primary city, with a population of about 1.723 million , and is by far the largest city in Austria, as well as its cultural, economic, and political centre...
and Austria
Austria
Austria , officially the Republic of Austria , is a landlocked country of roughly 8.4 million people in Central Europe. It is bordered by the Czech Republic and Germany to the north, Slovakia and Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the...
, administrator of the Diocese of Budapest and Hungary, in addition to his position in Brussels, which he continues to hold.
On March 31, 2009 he was appointed the Bishop of Volokolamsk, the Vicar to His Holiness the Patriarch of Moscow and all Rus, the chairman of the Department of the External Church Relations (the position previously held by the current Patriarch Kirill himself), and a permanent member of the Holy Synod
Holy Synod
In several of the autocephalous Eastern Orthodox churches and Eastern Catholic Churches, the patriarch or head bishop is elected by a group of bishops called the Holy Synod...
, ex officio.
On Easter Monday
Easter Monday
Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday and is celebrated as a holiday in some largely Christian cultures, especially Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox cultures...
, 2009 was raised to an archbishop
Archbishop
An archbishop is a bishop of higher rank, but not of higher sacramental order above that of the three orders of deacon, priest , and bishop...
by Patriarch Kirill during the Divine Liturgy
Divine Liturgy
Divine Liturgy is the common term for the Eucharistic service of the Byzantine tradition of Christian liturgy. As such, it is used in the Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches. Armenian Christians, both of the Armenian Apostolic Church and of the Armenian Catholic Church, use the same term...
in The Dormition Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin
Moscow Kremlin
The Moscow Kremlin , sometimes referred to as simply The Kremlin, is a historic fortified complex at the heart of Moscow, overlooking the Moskva River , Saint Basil's Cathedral and Red Square and the Alexander Garden...
. On 1 February 2010, at a Liturgy to celebrate the first anniversary of the enthronement of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, he was raised to the rank of Metropolitan. http://www.egliserusse.eu/Le-patriarche-Cyrille-celebre-le-premier-anniversaire-de-son-intronisation_a926.html
Views on the nature of the Church
In an interview given on 19 July 2010, Hilarion said:"The Orthodox Church as a whole does not have a unified structural or administrative format. Administratively, it is, if one can say so, a confederation of autocephalous, that is, completely independent of one another" http://www.mospat.ru/en/2010/07/19/news22093/
This theory may be termed "radical autocephaly" and is a concept not held by all members of the Orthodox Churches.
Scholarly work
Archbishop Hilarion is author of more than 600 publications, including four monographs in English: St Symeon the New Theologian and Orthodox Tradition (Oxford University Press, 2000)http://www.oup.com/us/catalog/general/subject/ReligionTheology/HistoryofChristianity/EarlyChurch/?view=usa&ci=9780198270096 , welcomed by the press http://en.hilarion.orthodoxia.org/8_2, The Spiritual World of Isaac the Syrian (Cistercian Publications, Kalamazoo, MI, 2000)http://www.amazon.com/Spiritual-World-Isaac-Syrian/dp/0879077751, The Mystery of Faith. An Introduction to the Teaching and Spirituality of the Orthodox Church (Darton, Longman and Todd, 2002)http://www.amazon.com/Mystery-Faith-Introduction-Teaching-Spirituality/dp/0232524726, Orthodox Witness Today (WCC Publications, 2006)http://www.gazellebookservices.co.uk/ISBN/2825414484.htm.Apart from his doctoral degree in philosophy from Oxford, Archbishop Hilarion also holds a doctorate in theology from St. Sergius Orthodox Theological Institute
St. Sergius Orthodox Theological Institute
The Institut de théologie orthodoxe Saint-Serge in Paris, France, or St. Sergius Orthodox Theological Institute is a private school of higher education in Orthodox theology, founded in 1925, in conformity with French legislation and the norms of European university education, accredited by the...
in Paris
Paris
Paris is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...
, which was awarded to him in 1999. In February 2005 he was elected a Privat-Dozent of the University of Fribourg
University of Fribourg
The University of Fribourg is a university in the city of Fribourg, Switzerland.The roots of the University can be traced back to 1582, when the notable Jesuit Peter Canisius founded the Collège Saint-Michel in the City of Fribourg. In 1763, an Academy of law was founded by the state of Frobourg...
(Switzerland).
Musical activity
Metropolitan Hilarion is author of numerous musical compositions. His "St Matthew Passion", grand oratorio for soloists, choir and orchestra, received standing ovation at its performances at the Great Hall of Moscow Concervatory (27 March 2007)http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=news&div=2805, at the Auditorium Conciliazione, Rome (29 March 2007)http://www.zenit.org/article-19307?l=english, and at St Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne (28 September 2007).http://einews.blogspot.com/2007/10/bishop-hilarion-given-standing-ovation.html. Equally well received was his "Christmas Oratorio", performed in Washington, Boston and New York (18–20 December 2007)http://www.sjbrcc.net/oratorio.html and later in Moscow (7 and 15 January 2008).Ecumenical activity
Metropolitan Hilarion is a member of the Executive and Central Committees of the World Council of ChurchesWorld Council of Churches
The World Council of Churches is a worldwide fellowship of 349 global, regional and sub-regional, national and local churches seeking unity, a common witness and Christian service. It is a Christian ecumenical organization that is based in the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva, Switzerland...
, of the Presidium of ‘Faith and Order’ Commission, as well as of numerous bilateral theological dialogues. In 1998 he headed the 5-member Moscow Patriarchate delegation to the 8th WCC Assembly in Harare, and in February 2006 head the Moscow Patriarchate's 21-member delegation to the 9th Assembly in Porto-Alegre.
Metropolitan Hilarion is a permanent member of the Joint International Commissions for the Theological Dialogue between the Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church
Roman Catholic Church
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church, with over a billion members. Led by the Pope, it defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments and exercising charity...
, between the Orthodox Church and the Anglican Church, between the Orthodox Church and the World Alliance of Reformed Churches
World Alliance of Reformed Churches
The World Alliance of Reformed Churches is a fellowship of more than 200 churches with roots in the 16th-century Reformation, and particularly in the theology of John Calvin...
. He is also interested in interfaith dialogue among all major world religions, and currently sits on the Board of World Religious Leaders for the Elijah Interfaith Institute
The Elijah Interfaith Institute
The Elijah Interfaith Institute is a nonprofit, international, interfaith organization which was founded by Rabbi Alon Goshen-Gottstein in 1997. Its mission is to foster peace between the world's diverse faith communities through interfaith dialogue, education, research and dissemination...
.
On 10 October 2007 Bishop Hilarion walked out of an important meeting of the Orthodox-Roman Catholic International Theological Commission at Ravenna, allegedly in protest against the choice of delegates by the Ecumenical Patriarchate. His action was approved by the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church http://orthodoxeurope.org/#19-2-410 http://www.cathnews.com/news/710/70.php
On 5 October 2008 Bishop Hilarion took part in the "Bible marathon" organized by the Italian state TV channel RAI-Uno. He read Chapter Two from the Book of Genesis, immediately following Pope Benedict XVI, who read Chapter One. Bishop Hilarion was followed by 1246 readers from various countries.
In September 2009, at the invitation of Cardinal Walter Kasper, he visited Pope Benedict XVI
Pope Benedict XVI
Benedict XVI is the 265th and current Pope, by virtue of his office of Bishop of Rome, the Sovereign of the Vatican City State and the leader of the Catholic Church as well as the other 22 sui iuris Eastern Catholic Churches in full communion with the Holy See...
and several officials of the Roman Curia
Roman Curia
The Roman Curia is the administrative apparatus of the Holy See and the central governing body of the entire Catholic Church, together with the Pope...
who have key roles in Roman Catholic ecumenical dialogue
Catholic Church and ecumenism
The Catholic Church has been heavily involved in the ecumenical movement since the Second Vatican Council .- Before the Second Vatican Council :...
.
Late in 2010, Metropolitan Hilarion gave an important speech to senior Anglican bishops and professors at the Nikean Club dinner at Lambeth Palace
Lambeth Palace
Lambeth Palace is the official London residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury in England. It is located in Lambeth, on the south bank of the River Thames a short distance upstream of the Palace of Westminster on the opposite shore. It was acquired by the archbishopric around 1200...
http://www.mospat.ru/en/2010/09/10/news25819/, criticizing proposals for the ordination of women bishops and the alleged toleration of homosexual activity by some Anglicans.
Honours and awards
- Order of FriendshipOrder of FriendshipThe Order of Friendship is a state decoration of Russia established by decree # 442 of March 2, 1994 of the President of the Russian Federation....
(20 July 2011) - for outstanding contribution to the development of spiritual culture and strengthening friendship between peoples - Medal of January 13 (Lithuania, March 4, 1992)
- Letters of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia (1996 and 1999)
- Order of the Holy Martyr Isidore of Tartu, 2nd class (2010, Estonian Orthodox Church of Moscow Patriarchate)
- Order of Saint Stephen the Great pious governor, 2nd class (2010, The Orthodox Church of Moldova)
- Order of St. Innocent of Moscow, 2nd class (Orthodox Church in America), 2009)
- Order of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Mark, 2nd class (Orthodox Church of Alexandria, 2010)
- Order of Saints Cyril and Methodius, a gold star (Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia, 2011)
- Order of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, 2nd class (Antiochian Orthodox Church, 2011)
- Medal of Prince Constantine of Ostrog (Orthodox Church of Poland, 2003)
- Makarievskaya Award (24 August 2005) - for work, "Sacred Mystery of the Church. Introduction to the history and issues imyaslavskih disputes"
- Sigillum Magnum - Gold Medal (University of BolognaUniversity of BolognaThe Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna is the oldest continually operating university in the world, the word 'universitas' being first used by this institution at its foundation. The true date of its founding is uncertain, but believed by most accounts to have been 1088...
, Italy, 2010) - Order of Mayor Jonas Vileyshisa (Kaunas, Lithuania, 2011)
- Order of Sokolov (Public Organization "Union of Serbian Sokolov," 2011)
In English
1. St Symeon the New Theologian and Orthodox Tradition. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000.2. The Spiritual World of Isaac the Syrian. Cistercian Studies No 175. Kalamazoo, Michigan: Cistercian Publications, 2000.
3. The Mystery of Faith. Introduction to the Teaching and Spirituality of the Orthodox Church. London: Darton, Longman and Todd, 2002.
4. Orthodox Witness in a Modern Age. Geneva: WCC Publications, 2006.
5. Christ the Conqueror of Hell. The Descent into Hell in Orthodox Tradition. New York: SVS Press, 2009.
In French
6.Le mystère de la foi. Introduction à la théologie dogmatique orthodoxe. Paris: Cerf, 2001.7.L’univers spirituel d’Isaac le Syrien. Bellefontaine, 2001.
8.Syméon le Studite. Discours ascétique. Introduction, texte critique et notes par H. Alfeyev. Sources Chrétiennes
Sources chretiennes
Sources Chrétiennes is a bilingual collection of patristic texts founded in Lyon in 1942 by the Jesuits Jean Daniélou, Claude Mondésert, and Henri de Lubac....
460. Paris: Cerf, 2001.
9.Le chantre de la lumière. Initiation à la spiritualité de saint Grégoire de Nazianze. Paris: Cerf, 2006.
10.Le mystère sacré de l’Eglise. Introduction à l’histoire et à la problématique des débats athonites sur la vénération du Nom de Dieu. Fribourg: Academic Press, 2007.
11.Le Nom grand et glorieux. La vénération du Nom de Dieu et la prière de Jésus dans la tradition orthodoxe. Paris: Cerf, 2007.
In Italian
12.La gloria del Nome. L’opera dello schimonaco Ilarion e la controversia athonita sul Nome di Dio all’inizio dell XX secolo. Edizioni Qiqajon. Bose, Magnano, 2002.13.La forza dell’amore. L’universo spirituale di sant’Isacco il Syro. Bose: Qiqajon, 2003.
14.Cristo Vincitore degli inferi. Bose: Qiqajon, 2003.
In German
15.Geheimnis des Glaubens. Einführung in die orthodoxe dogmatische Theologie. Aus dem Russischen übersetzt von Hermann-Josef Röhrig. Herausgegeben von Barbara Hallensleben und Guido Vergauwen. Universitätsverlag Freiburg Schweiz, 2003. 2. Ausgabe — Fribourg: Academic Press, 2005.In Serbian
17.Тајна вере: увод у православно догматско богословље. Превод са руског Ђорђе Лазаревић; редактор превода Ксенија Кончаревић. Краљево: Епархијски управни одбор Епархије жичке, 2005.In Finnish
18.Uskon mysteeri. Johdatus ortodoksineen dogmatiseen teologiaan. Ortodoksisen kirjallisuuden Julkaisuneuvosto. Jyväskylä, 2002.In Hungarian
19.A hit titka. Bevezetés az Ortodox Egyház teológiájába és lelkiségébe. Magyar Ortodox Egyházmegye, 2005.In Polish
20.Tajemnica wiary. Wprowadzenie do prawosławnej teologii dogmatycznej. Warszawska Metropolia Prawosławna (w przygotowaniu).In Russian
21.Таинство веры. Введение в православное догматическое богословие. М.-Клин: Изд-во Братства Святителя Тихона, 1996. Издание второе — Клин: Фонд «Христианская жизнь», 2000. Издание третье — Клин: Фонд «Христианская жизнь», 2004. Издание четвертое — Клин: Фонд «Христианская жизнь», 2005.22.Отцы и учители Церкви III века. Антология. Т. 1-2. М.: Круглый стол по религиозному образованию и диаконии, 1996.
23.Жизнь и учение св. Григория Богослова. М.: Изд-во Крутицкого патриаршего подворья, 1998. Издание второе — СПб.: Алетейя, 2001.
24.Духовный мир преподобного Исаака Сирина. М.: Изд-во Крутицкого патриаршего подворья, 1998. Издание второе — СПб.: Алетейя, 2001.
25.Преподобный Симеон Новый Богослов и православное Предание. М.: Изд-во Крутицкого патриаршего подворья, 1998. Издание второе — СПб.: Алетейя, 2001.
26.Преподобный Исаак Сирин. О божественных тайнах и о духовной жизни. Новооткрытые тексты. Перевод с сирийского. М.: Изд-во «Зачатьевский монастырь», 1998. Издание второе — СПб.: Алетейя, 2003.
27.Преподобный Симеон Новый Богослов. Главы богословские, умозрительные и практические. Перевод с греческого. М.: Изд-во «Зачатьевский монастырь», 1998.
28.Восточные Отцы и учители Церкви IV века. Антология. Т. 1-3. М.: Круглый стол по религиозному образованию и диаконии, 1998—1999.
29.Ночь прошла, а день приблизился. Проповеди и беседы. М.: Изд-во Крутицкого патриаршего подворья, 1999.
30.Православное богословие на рубеже эпох. Статьи, доклады. М.: Изд-во Крутицкого патриаршего подворья, 1999. Издание второе, дополненное — Киев: Дух i лiтера, 2002.
31.Преподобный Симеон Новый Богослов. «Прииди, Свет истинный». Избранные гимны в стихотворном переводе с греческого. СПб.: Алетейя, 2000.
32.Восточные Отцы и учители Церкви V века. Антология. М.: Круглый стол по религиозному образованию и диаконии, 2000.
33.Христос — Победитель ада. Тема сошествия во ад в восточно-христианской традиции. СПб.: Алетейя, 2001. Издание второе — СПб.: Алетейя, 2005.
34.О молитве. Клин: Фонд «Христианская жизнь», 2001. Издание второе — Клин: Фонд «Христианская жизнь», 2004.
35.Вы — свет мира. Беседы о христианской жизни. Клин: Фонд «Христианская жизнь», 2001. Издание второе — Клин: Фонд «Христианская жизнь», 2004.
36.Человеческий лик Бога. Проповеди. Клин: Фонд «Христианская жизнь», 2001.
37.Преподобный Симеон Новый Богослов. Преподобный Никита Стифат. Аскетические произведения в новых переводах. Клин: Фонд «Христианская жизнь», 2001.
38.Священная тайна Церкви. Введение в историю и проблематику имяславских споров. В двух томах. СПб.: Алетейя, 2002.
39.Во что верят православные христиане. Катехизические беседы. Клин: Фонд «Христианская жизнь», 2004.
40.Православное свидетельство в современном мире. СПб: Издательство Олега Абышко, 2006.
In Romanian
41.Hristos, biruitorul iadului. Coborarea la iad din perspectiva teologica. Bucureşti: Editura Sophia, 2008.In Japanese
42. 信仰の機密 Shinkō no kimitsu. Nikolai Takamatsu yaku. Tōkyō Fukkatsu dai Seidō, 2004.Musical compositions
1. "Four Poems by Federico Garcia Lorca" for voice and piano (1984).2. "The Divine Liturgy" for mixed choir (2006).
3. "The All-Night Vigil" for soloists and mixed choir (2006).
4. The "St Matthew Passion" for soloists, choir and orchestra (2006).
5. The "Christmas Oratorio" for soloists, boys' choir, mixed choir and symphony orchestra (2007).
6. "Memento" for symphony orchestra (2007).
7. "A Song of the Ascents". A symphony on the Psalms for choir and orchestra (2008).
External links
- Bishop Hilarion (Alfeyev) - English
- Епископ Иларион (Алфеев) - Russian
- Russian Orthodox Church's Representation in Brussels - English, French, German
- Hilarion Alfeyev. Livres - français
- Schluss mit einem 'romantischen Ökumenismus' - kath.net