Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral)
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Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral) of New York (1948-2022)
Hilarion may be spelt Ilarion.
Family background of Igor Alexeievich Kapral
Igor's parents, Alexei and Evphrosynia (born Kasyaniuk) Kapral, came from the village of Obenizhzhi of the former Volyn Governorate (today as part of the Turiysky county of the Volhynia region in Ukraine). In 1929, this region was suffering from political struggles resulting from the post-revolution Polish occupation of Western Ukraine. There were attempts to re-integrate this region into Polish territory. With this came increased tensions between the Orthodox Christians and the governing Roman Catholics.
Thus, the 19-year-old Alexei and his young wife decided to emigrate to Canada. At that time, the Canadian government afforded immigrants the opportunity to obtain large tracts of land in Western Canada (usually in "Block Settlements"), and the process of such settling was called "homesteading". It was, therefore, in this region of northwestern Alberta that the young family settled. Alexei and Evphrosynia received 65 hectares (160 acres) of land in Alberta, and $100.00 in cash, as well as a hammer and an axe for building a house. These were considered to be the necessary tools with which to build themselves a home.
In the developing Spirit River region (about 570 km or 354 mi northwest of Edmonton), there were some 200 Ukrainians, and in view of the oncoming cold, they quickly built themselves houses. The great economic crisis of 1929 which began the Great Depression of the 1930s, affected the settlers as well, and it made an already hard life even more difficult. In order to find work, Alexei Kapral had to travel far from home, and he earned but 25 cents per day.
Nonetheless, the family grew ever larger : 5 boys and 2 girls filled the house with children’s voices, speaking Ukrainian at home, but the children nevertheless used English as their first language. Their parents also spoke Russian and Polish. Despite their remoteness from substantial Orthodox Christian settlements in Alberta, this family raised their children as Orthodox Christians. They participated in church services whenever an Orthodox Christian priest was available. In that region, there were 3 parishes, all at some distance from each other : Holy Trinity Russo Orthodox Church, Spirit River/Devale ; Holy Trinity Russo Orthodox Church, Woking ; Saints Peter and Paul Russo Orthodox Church, North Star (Manning).
Early life of Igor Alexeievich Kapral
On 6 January, 1948, Igor Alexeievich Kapral, the youngest child of Alexei and Evphrosynia Kapral, was born in Spirit River, Alberta.
He later described his childhood as being "pleasant [...] absolutely free of any harmful influences". He grew up mainly in the countryside. He would walk 4 km (2.5 mi) to school every day, and the same on his return. Later, he transferred to another school in Blueberry Creek, a tributary to Medicine River, but he returned to Spirit River to finish high school.
The childhood of Igor Alexeievich was rather difficult : “The farm only allowed to make ends meet, despite the fact that they sowed wheat, oats, barley, kept cattle ; but life was unpredictable in the harsh climatic conditions. Because of poverty, my father had to look for work all the time”.
From his youth, Igor felt drawn to the Church, and he loved to read books and periodicals on religion and morals. From the young age of 6 or 7, he knew that he wanted to become a priest. He went to Holy Trinity Church in Spirit River, which belonged to the Canadian diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR), and which was composed of ethnic Ukrainians. Ukrainian autocephalist sentiments were strong in that region (in the context of the influence of the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church in Canada).
Holy Trinity Temple, Spirit River, Alberta
In 1959, the parish, together with Archbishop Panteleimon (Rudyk), passed into the jurisdiction of the North American Exarchate of the Moscow Patriarchate. Services were held monthly or bi-monthly, and often Vladyka Panteleimon would himself celebrate these services. Igor Alexeievich admired Archbishop Panteleimon, and he was told by Archbishop Panteleimon that “someday you will be a priest”.
In 1966, Igor Alexeievich graduated from high school, and he aimed at entering a seminary. In the same year, he found a spiritual director, Bishop Sava (Saračević), Bishop of Edmonton, a Serb who greatly respected Saint John (Maximovitch) the Wonder-worker, Archbishop of San Francisco.
During this time, Archbishop Panteleimon (Rudyk) of Edmonton had suggested that Igor study in France, in the seminary of the Moscow Patriarchate in Villemoisson, created by Metropolitan Nikolai (Eremin). However, by that time the seminary was closed, and Archbishop Panteleimon began to be concerned about Igor's entering a seminary in the USSR :
For a whole year, Vladyka negotiated with the Leningrad seminary, but in the end his candidacy was rejected. Much later, I learned that the KGB was interrogating my relatives in Ukraine, in order to find out why I want to study in Russia. I was only 18 years old then. At this time, I received copies of two open letters compiled by Fr. Gleb Yakunin and Fr. Nikolai Eshliman in the name of Patriarch Alexy I, Prime Minister A N Kosygin and Secretary General L I Brezhnev regarding the persecution of faith in the USSR. These letters opened my eyes to many things. I was particularly embarrassed by an article by the famous Metropolitan Nikodim (Rotov) of Leningrad in the magazine ‘The United Church’, in which he praised communism and said that communism and Christianity have one common idea. This article just shocked me. I realized that I could no longer remain in the jurisdiction of the Moscow Patriarchate and my place was to be with the Abroad. — Interview given on 21 June, 2003, by Archbishop Hilarion of the Diocese of Australia and New Zealand to the Australian newspaper ‘Word’, no. 24/2003, Sydney, Australia.
During the course of these events, Igor Alexeievich had come to subscribe to some Orthodox journals and other publications, including "Orthodox Word" and "Orthodox Life". It was through them that he learnt about the existence of Holy Trinity Monastery at Jordanville, New York, and then about Holy Trinity Seminary at this monastery.
Higher education
In 1967, when Igor Alexeievich Kapral was 19 years old, after having felt a call to become a monk, he entered the Holy Trinity Theological Seminary in Jordanville, New York, under the advice of Bishop Sava (Saračević) of Edmonton. While in Jordanville, he was able to learn the Russian language, to sing on the kliros, to serve in the Altar, and to learn the order of divine services.
Holy Trinity Seminary (right)
From his second year at seminary, Igor was given the obedience of type-setting the periodical “Orthodox Life” in English, under the editorship of Archimandrite Constantine (Zaitsev). Soon, Igor was given the obedience to succeed him as the editor. After some time, Hieromonk Ignaty (who was in charge of the printing shop) asked him to do the Russian type-setting as well.
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Seminarian John Shaw (later, Bishop Jerome), and Novice Igor Kapral (later, Metropolitan Hilarion), circa 1971, Jordanville
Seminarian Igor Kapral and classmates
Upon his graduation from the seminary in 1972, Igor entered the Holy Trinity Monastery. He became a novice (“poslushnik”) in 1973.
In 1975, he became editor-in-chief on the repose of Archimandrite Constantine, and he was given the blessing to begin to teach at the seminary.
Holy Trinity Monastery, Jordanville
Monastic tonsure, 1974
On 2 December, 1974, Igor Alexeievich Kapral was tonsured to be a rasophor monk, and he was given the name Hilarion, in honour of Venerable Schema-monk Hilarion of the Kiev Caves, the famous Metropolitan of Kyiv.
Diaconal ordination, 1975
On 4 December, 1975, Archbishop Averky (Taushev), for whom the Rasophor Hilarion (Kapral) served as a cell-attendant, ordained him to the Holy Diaconate.
Hierodiaconal service
Hierodeacon Hilarion (Kapral) was the last cell-attendant and protégé of Archbishop Averky before his repose.
As part of the policy of Bishop Laurus (Škurla) to elevate the quality of Russian language and literature instruction at Holy Trinity Seminary, Hierodeacon Hilarion (Kapral) was selected to study for a Master’s degree in Slavic Studies and Russian Literature.
From 1975, he also taught Holy Scripture of the New Testament, moral and comparative theology, Biblical archeology in Holy Trinity Seminary.
In 1976, he graduated from the University of Syracuse with a Master's Degree in Slavonic and Russian literature.
Presbyteral ordination, 1976
In 1976, Bishop Laurus (Škurla) of Manhattan ordained Hierodeacon Hilarion (Kapral) to the Holy Priesthood.
Monastic-pastoral service
Hieromonk Hilarion (Kapral) served as a priest in the monastery, and he continued in his obedience of working at the printing press. He was often sent to parishes, where he replaced absent priests. He often travelled to Cleveland, Ohio, and to parts of Pennsylvania.
From 1973 to 1988, Hieromonk Hilarion (Kapral) was the editor of the English version of the journal "Orthodox Life", and he worked simultaneously as a typesetter in the monastic printing house.
In the summer of 1979, he was sent to Jerusalem in the Holy Land, for the spiritual nourishment of the women's monasteries there.
At the end of the trip, he was assigned to be the confessor of the Holy Trinity Monastery.
On 30 August, 1983, by the decision of the Synod of Bishops of the ROCOR, Hieromonk Hilarion (Kapral) was awarded the right to wear the Gold Cross.
In 1983, Hieromonk Hilarion (Kapral) was approved by the Bishop’s Sobor meeting at the Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Skete in Mansonville, Potton, Québec as a candidate for the Holy Episcopate.
At the suggestion of Metropolitan Philaret (Voznesensky) that he be assigned to serve as Bishop of Manhattan and as a Vicar-Bishop of the Diocese of New York and Eastern America, the Holy Synod chose and elected him to become a bishop.
Episcopal ordination, 1984
On 10 December, 1984, at the Synodal Cathedral of Our Lady of the Sign in New York City, Hieromonk Hilarion (Kapral) (at the age of 36) was ordained to the Holy Episcopate by Metropolitan Philaret (Voznesensky) of New York, and 9 other bishops : (Archbishops Seraphim (Ivanov), Antony (Medvedev), Vitaly (Ustinov), Laurus (Škurla), Paul (Pavlov), and Bishops Gregory (Grabbe), Mark (Arndt), Alypy (Gamanovich).
Episcopal service
Upon ordination, Bishop Hilarion (Kapral) was assigned to be the Bishop of Manhattan, and to be the Vicar-Bishop having the responsibility of overseeing the parishes in Pennsylvania and the Eastern American Diocese.
Headquarters of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, New York City
In 1987, Bishop Hilarion (Kapral) was assigned to serve as deputy secretary for the Synod of Bishops.
As an official representative of the Synod of Bishops of the ROCOR, Bishop Hilarion repeatedly visited Russia.
His first such visit was in 1990, during which he spent 2 months of pilgrimage (June and July) visiting Valaam Monastery of the Transfiguration and Saint Petersburg, Kyiv and the Pochaiv Monastery of the Dormition. In Pochaiv, he met with the "Namestnik" (viceroy) Archimandrite Onufry (Berezovsky). At the same time, he first met his relatives in Ukraine. He also took part in the celebration of the 1000th anniversary of the Baptism of Vladimir-Suzdal, Russia, in the Emperor Constantine Sobor of the city of Suzdal, which joined the ROCOR in 1990.
In 1992, Vladyka Hilarion participated in a press conference with the magazine "Ogonyok", dedicated to the provocative attempts of the "Pamyat Society" to draw the ROCOR into its political activities.
In 1995, Bishop Hilarion (Kapral) was transferred to Washington, DC, whilst he retained his residence in New York. During his time as Vicar-Bishop of the Eastern American Diocese, he was known for frequent visits to parishes and for being accessible to the Faithful.
On 14-20 January, 1996, Vladyka Hilarion visited the mission of the ROCOR in Haiti. The arrival of Bishop Hilarion was the first visit to the country by a Russian Orthodox bishop.
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Transfer to Australia, 1996
The Diocese of Australia and New Zealand was experiencing turmoil that arose from certain difficulties, and there had not been a diocesan bishop for 5 years. Therefore, in June, 1996, recognising his pastoral gifts, the Holy Synod of Bishops transferred Vladyka Hilarion to the Diocese of Australia and New Zealand.
In 1996, Bishop Hilarion (Kapral) was elevated to the dignity of archbishop.
Archbishop Hilarion (Kapral) set about developing the "Property Trust Act for the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia" as an Act of the New South Wales Parliament. He also began to rectify the shortage of priests. He made a beginning of missionary work ; and in general, he strengthened the diocese and its Church-life.
In 1996, he became the editor-in-chief of the official organ of the Sydney Diocese, the monthly magazine "Church Word".
In 1999, after the bombing of Yugoslavia by NATO forces, he sent a letter to the Australian Prime Minister, John Howard, in which he expressed the disagreement of the clergy and the faithful flock of the diocese with the NATO aggression against the Serbian people, and he asked the government not to support military actions in Yugoslavia.
In 2003, at the suggestion of Metropolitan Laurus (Škurla), Archbishop Hilarion was awarded the honour of wearing a “diamond Cross” (usually glass) on his klobuk.
On 27 January, 2005, by the decision of the Holy Synod of Bishops, it was determined that Vladyka Hilarion be the chairman of the Pre-Council Committee for the Organisation and Conduct of the 4th All-Diaspora Council.
Archbishop Hilarion continued in his habitual accessibility to the Faithful in this diocese. This included missions in Korea, China and Indonesia. He was the first hierarch of the ROCOR to visit China since the departure of Saint John of Shanghai and San Francisco after World War II.
Reconciliation of the ROCOR and the Moscow Patriarchate, 2007
On 17 May, 2007, the Feast of the Ascension of Christ, Metropolian Laurus (Škurla), along with many of the clergy of the ROCOR, participated in the signing of the “Act of Canonical Communion” in Moscow, Russia. Together with this signing, Metropolitan Laurus (Škurla) participated in serving the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy with the Patriarch of Moscow, Aleksey II, at Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Moscow.
Metropolitan Laurus and Patriarch Aleksey sign the Act of Reconciliation
After Metropolitan Laurus (Škurla) fell asleep in Christ (16 March, 2008), Archbishop Hilarion (Kapral) was assigned to be the temporary head of the ROCOR Synod, and to be the Chairman of the Pre-Conciliar Commission, which prepared for the Council of Bishops.
Election/nomination to become First Hierarch of the ROCOR
On 12 May, 2008, Archbishop Hilarion (Kapral) was elected and elevated to be the new Metropolitan of the ROCOR, having received all but one vote (his own). According to the words of the Archpriest Seraphim Gan (Rector of Saint Seraphim Memorial Church, Sea Cliff, New York), “The election of the new First Hierarch took about 30 minutes. After the elections, the newly-elected Metropolitan thanked the members of the council for the confidence placed in him, and he asked them to pray for him”.
On 14 May (O.S. 1 May), 2008, Archbishop Hilarion (Kapral) was approved by the Holy Synod of the Moscow Patriarchate to become the Primate of the ROCOR.
On 14 May (O.S. 1 May), 2008, Archbishop Hilarion (Kapral) was elevated to the dignity of metropolitan by the Holy Synod of the Moscow Patriarchate.
Transfer to New York ; First Hierarch of the ROCOR, 2008
On 18 May (O.S. May 5), 2008, Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral) was enthroned in New York at the Synodal Cathedral of Our Lady of the Sign. In addition to the hierarchs of the Russian Orthodox Church, the services were attended by bishops and priests of the Constantinople, Antioch, Jerusalem Patriarchates, The Orthodox Church in America, and the Russian diplomatic corps.
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Service as First Hierarch
As First Hierarch, Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral) convenes meetings of the Synod of Bishops (3-4 times each year), meetings of the Council of Bishops, and he represents the ROCOR at the Moscow Patriarchate when bishops convene there. In addition to being the Diocesan Bishop of the Eastern American Diocese, he remained the Diocesan Bishop of the Diocese of Australia and New Zealand (later assisted by a vicar-bishop) up to the present.
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On 10 December (O.S. 27 November), 2008, Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral) was assigned to be a member of the Preparatory Commission for the pending Local Council of the Russian Orthodox Church.
On 24 December, 2008, the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church, "taking into account the importance of self-governed churches as part of the Moscow Patriarchate participating in the leadership of the Bishops' Council", included him in the Holy Synod, which, according to its Charter, is the Presidium of the Holy Synod of Bishops, for the duration of 2009.
25 years of episcopal service, 2009
On the 10 December, 2009, Metropolitan Hilarion marked 25 years since the date of his ordination to the Holy Episcopate. The festivities took place in the Diocese of Australia and New Zealand. Vladyka Hilarion, notably, has presided in the ROCOR during a period of time in which unity with the Church of Russia has been smooth and without inequality. Consequently, any tendency to be unnecessarily fearful was calmed down within the ROCOR.
Anniversary Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, 10 December, 2009
Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral) and Patriarch Kirill (Gundyaev)
Metropolitan Hilarion visits Russian Scouts Camp in Northville, New York on 17-18 July, 2010
On 30 January, 2013, the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church, "taking into account the importance of participation in the leadership of the Bishops' Council of heads of autonomous and self-governing parts of the Moscow Patriarchate", included him in the Holy Synod during the Synod's work.
In 2013 and 2014, under the leadership of Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral), the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia began the process of finding a successor to Vladyka Hilarion in the Diocese of Australia.
In June, 2013, Bishop George (Sheifer) of Manhattan was sent by Metropolitan Hilarion to Australian and New Zealand Diocese (in his stead) in order to celebrate the divine services in parishes of the diocese, especially those that were celebrating their parish feast days.
On 7 October 7, 2014, Bishop George (Sheifer) was assigned to serve as Vicar-Bishop of First-Hierarch Metropolitan Hilarion for the Australian and New Zealand Diocese, with the title Bishop of Canberra.
On 24 December, 2015, the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church, "taking into account the importance of participation in the leadership of the Bishops' Council of heads of autonomous and self-governing parts of the Moscow Patriarchate," included him in the Holy Synod during the Synod's work (Journal no. 96).
In December, 2016, after the retirement of Archbishop Mark (Arndt) of Berlin, Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral was given the responsibility of being the locum tenens of the Diocese of Great Britain and Ireland, and of the Diocese of Western Europe.
On 18 July, 2017, in the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, Patriarch Kirill (Gundyaev) of Moscow and All Russia, gave the blessing that Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral) have the right to wear a second Panagia within the Russian Church Abroad, because of his work for the good of the Church, and with regard to the 10th anniversary of the restoration of canonical communion in the united Russian Church.
In the autumn of 2017, Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral) addressed the head of the non-canonical Kyiv Patriarchate, Filaret (Denisenko), which indicated that the leadership of the Russian Orthodox Church wanted to come closer to the Kyiv Patriarchate. On 11 November, the delegation of the Kyiv Patriarchate arrived in Moscow and held talks with Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev), who persuaded them to invite the Kyiv Patriarchate to prepare a letter on behalf of Filaret, which they could read at the forthcoming Bishops' Council of the Russian Orthodox Church. On 16 November, Filaret (Denisenko) wrote 2 letters : one addressed to the ROCOR Council of Bishops, the other addressed to the ROCOR First Hierarch.
On 28 November, 2017, by the decision of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church, "taking into account the importance of participation in the leadership of the Bishops' Council of the heads of the autonomous and self-governing parts of the Moscow Patriarchate" Metropolitan Hilarion was included in the Holy Synod during the Council's work (Journal no. 104).
Visit to Montréal, Québec, 2017
During a visit by Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral) to Montréal, Québec, Canada, Archbishop Gabriel (Chemodakov) escorted him to Rawdon, Québec (about an hour's drive north of the city). There, they visited the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God of Kazan. While they were in the town, they also visited the OCA Archbishop Irénée (Rochon), the Saint Séraphim Church and Skete, and the Saint Séraphim Cemetery.
At Saint Seraphim Skete, Rawdon, Québec, 2017
(r to l) Archbishop Gabriel (Chemodakov), Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral), Archbishop Irénée (Rochon)
On 20 September, 2018, Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral) was released from the temporary administration of the British Diocese and the Western European Diocese which he had been given in 2016. This occurred after the election and enthronement of Bishop Irenei (Steinberg) for the diocese.
Covid-19 virus pandemic, 2020-2022
When the Covid-19 Virus began to spread rapidly throughout the world in 2020, there were many closures of places where people gather (including parish Temples), restrictions on any travel, and other measures appropriate for public safety during a pandemic (as the situation was quickly described). When it became possible for people to be inoculated so as to be able to be less dramatically affected by the virus, many fearful controversies arose because of the nature of the development of the vaccines. In September, 2021, Metropolitan Hilarion made an official statement on the matter, as reported by the "Union of Orthodox Journalists" :
ROCOR Primate : Church does not give advice on vaccination Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral) of Eastern America and New York stressed that getting vaccinated against coronavirus or not is a person's free choice. 'The Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia does not give its parishioners any advice on vaccination against coronavirus', said the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral) of Eastern America and New York, in a comment to 'RIA Novosti'. He stressed that vaccination is 'a free choice of people', and the Church does not give advice on this matter. However, he believes that 'people should not be afraid of vaccination'. According to the metropolitan, the pandemic affected Church life, but these changes cannot be called fundamental. 'At the very beginning of the pandemic, people could not visit churches, but now they have such an opportunity', added the First Hierarch of ROCOR. Recall that due to the coronavirus pandemic in the United States, it was proposed to postpone the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the ROCOR. The UOJ also wrote that the position of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church on vaccination against coronavirus was explained by the UOC Chancellor Metropolitan Anthony (Pakanich).
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Metropolitan Hilarion in Moscow
Last reflection by Metropolitan Hilarion, 2022
On 16 May, 2022, the following reflection by Metropolitan Hilarion (based on an interview) was sent to the "Pravoslavie.ru" correspondent Dmitry Zlodorev. It seems to be the last statement that he approved in his lifetime.
When I was 17 years old, while in Canada, I wanted to study in Russia and was going to enter the Saint Petersburg Theological Academy. Or rather, in the 1960s it was, of course, the USSR and Leningrad. But the then Metropolitan of Leningrad and Ladoga Nikodim (Rotov) conveyed to the Archbishop of Edmonton Panteleimon (Rudyk) that he tried, but he failed to accept a student from abroad. It must have been some kind of sign from above. As a result, I moved from the Canadian parish of the Moscow Patriarchate to ROCOR. In many ways, this decision was not difficult just because of the refusal to study in Russia. In addition, the letters of Father Gleb Yakunin about the situation of the Church in the USSR had a certain influence on me. Of course, they were not sent to me personally : they were open appeals about injustice on the part of the state towards the Church. Written in 1966-1967, they became a confirmation of the lack of freedom for believers, and I decided that I could no longer be a member of the Church, which at that time was not free. By that time, I already knew Bishop Savva (Saracevic) of Edmonton from ROCOR. For me, it was a sign that I needed to find another way to study theology. Then I turned to Vladyka Savva, who agreed with Archbishop Averky (Taushev) that I go to study at the Holy Trinity Theological Academy in Jordanville. And so it happened : with their blessing, I went there in 1967. Of course, in those days even talking about the Reunification was problematic, again because the Church in Russia remained not free. But outside Russia, we have always supported the love for the Russian people in Russia and tried in every possible way to help believers. We have always had love for the Russian Church and its flock. We tried to help in a variety of ways, in particular, with literature, which was sent to the USSR. A lot changed when Metropolitan Laurus became the First Hierarch of ROCOR. Of course, it was already 2001 : very different times, the Soviet Union collapsed, and many changes took place in Russia. Then I served in Australia, but, of course, I supported Vladyka Laurus. I think there was no specific moment when he began to think about the unification - in my opinion, he had a constant desire for this. Vladyka Laurus always sought to help Russian Orthodox people in Russia – for example, he tried to send home as much spiritual literature as possible. While still the rector of the Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, where the printing house was located, he sent many books to our Synod in New York. We packed them and sent them by all possible means to those people in the USSR, and then in Russia, who asked us about it. In November, 2003, an official ROCOR delegation visited Russia for the first time. Although I did not take a direct part in the discussions on the unification, I was lucky to be in its composition. I am sure that it was that trip that started the whole process : we got to know each other and decided that it was time to negotiate. I would even say that it was a blessing. Then I felt joy and satisfaction that there was a shift in this issue. We started talking to each other and eventually came to a decision that was acceptable to everyone. Of course, there was resistance in our Church. This was explained by the fact that people did not have confidence in the Moscow Patriarchate. They believed that it was too early to unite and that some bishops could not be trusted, say, the same Metropolitan Kirill, the current Patriarch. Many considered him an odious person and thought that he was very smart and could outsmart everyone. In fact, the Patriarch is a very intelligent person who is perfectly able to express his views. And I think he played a big role in the negotiations. I could say the same about other bishops, in particular, about our Metropolitan Mark of Germany and Berlin, one of the most important participants in the negotiations. When in May, 2007, we again came to Moscow to sign the Act, I had a very tremulous feeling. I felt that a historic event was taking place : finally, we managed to reach an understanding between the two parts of the Russian Orthodox Church, and we had the opportunity to become one, to communicate with each other. For all the time that has passed since then, I have never had even a shadow of a doubt about the correctness of the decision made then. It made it possible to overcome the division between the Russian emigration and the Orthodox people in Russia that had existed for many decades. Thanks to the efforts, first of all, of Patriarch Alexy II and Metropolitan Laurus, our hierarchs have come to Reunification. This is a huge achievement that allowed the Russian Church to become one again. For me, the past 15 years have been years of joy. Of course, I do not remember any individual minor events, but it was a joyful time when we got acquainted with the Russian part of the Church. We are happy that we have achieved unity. And in the time that has passed since then, I have never regretted it. Even when there were some problems, I knew that then we did everything right.
Repose, 2022
On Monday, 16 May, 2022, in the afternoon, Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral) fell asleep in the Lord in New York City, New York. He had been ill for some time before his departure to the Lord.
By Thursday evening, 19 May, 2022, the body of Metropolitan Hilarion had been transferred to the Synodal Sign of the Theotokos Cathedral in New York City. A Panikhida (memorial service) was served there that evening.
On Saturday, 21 May, 2022, at 7:30 a.m., at the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign of the Theotokos in New York City, the Hierarchical Memorial Divine Liturgy was served.
Afterwards, at 10:30 a.m., the Funeral Service for the Burial of a Hierarch was served according to the monastic order for the funeral.
After the conclusion of the funeral obsequies, the the body of Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral) was taken to Holy Trinity Monastery, Jordanville, New York.
On Sunday, 22 May, 2022, at 3:00 p.m., a Parastas (memorial service) was served by bishops, clergy, the monks and nuns, and the Faithful in the Catholicon of the Holy Trinity Monastery.
Memorial Service at Holy Trinity Monastery
After the conclusion of the service, the interment of the body of Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral) took place in the brotherhood cemetery, to the east of the Altar of the catholicon of the monastery.
Grave of Metropolitan Hilarion just after interment
— Bishop of Manhattan (ROCOR) 1984-1995. Preceded by : Bishop Gregory (Grabbe). Succeeded by : Bishop Gabriel (Chemodakov).
— Vicar-Bishop of the Eastern American Diocese.
— Bishop of Washington (ROCOR) 1995-1996. Preceded by : Bishop Gregory (Grabbe). Succeeded by : ____.
— Archbishop of Sydney, Australia and New Zealand 1996-2014. Preceded by : Archbishop Paul (Pavlov). Succeeded by : ____. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_(Schaefer).
— Archbishop of New York and Eastern America 2008-2022. Preceded by : Metropolitan Laurus (Škurla). Succeeded by : Bishop Nicholas (Olhovsky).
— First Hierarch, Metropolitan of ROCOR 2008-2022. Preceded by : Metropolitan Laurus (Škurla). Succeeded by : Bishop Nicholas (Olhovsky).
Reflections
Although Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral) never had an ecclesiastical assignment in Canada, nor had episcopal authority within Canada, he was nevertheless born and raised in Canada, and his formative education was in Canada. There were yet family members who lived in Canada. Furthermore, as the First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR), he had supervisory responsibility over the Diocese of Montréal and Canada. His biography is, therefore, appropriately included amongst those of the bishops who have some connexion with Canada.
Responses upon the repose
On 17 May, 2022, "Orthodox Europe" noted that on
17 May, 2022, the Russian Orthodox Church celebrates the 15th anniversary of the signing of the Act of Canonical Communion between the Moscow Patriarchate and the Russian Church Abroad. And the Lord determined that on the eve of this memorable date, one of the most significant participants in the reunification of the Russian Church, Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral) of Eastern America and New York, who became the First Hierarch of the ROCOR after the ever-memorable Metropolitan Laurus, departed to Him.
According to Archpriest Victor Potapov, rector of Saint John the Baptist Cathedral in Washington, D.C., the repose of Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral), the First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR), was a sorrowful occasion since it does represent the passing of an era for the Church.
“The Metropolitan was a truly remarkable individual. His death marks the end of an era in our lives as well as the ROCOR’s”.
Father Potapov stated that he had known Metropolitan Hilarion since 1967, and that as students, they had shared a dormitory at the Holy Trinity Seminary in Jordanville, New York. He commented that Metropolitan Hilarion was a “kind spirit”, a man of such faith that his life was an example for what a monk should be.
“I used to tell those who didn’t believe in monasticism to look at Metropolitan Hilarion : he was born to be a monk. We are all human, after all, and we all make errors. But in the instance of Metropolitan Hilarion, he was simply full of love for humanity. I sincerely hope that the next Metropolitan, who will be chosen by our Council of Bishops, is as generous and gentle as he was”.
According to Archpriest Serafim Gan, Chancellor for the Bishops’ Synod of ROCOR, Metropolitan Hilarion was a most compassionate and patient Christian man, and a blessed archpastor. Upon the metropolitan's repose, even his physician was weeping.
At the time of the funeral, Archpriest Victor Potapov said that whenever he is asked about what Metropolitan Hilarion was like in his youth, he always replies : “He was born to become a monk, and his entire life was a convincing apologia to the institution of monasticism”. As he recalled, His Eminence had many friends but practically no foes, except the enemy of our salvation.
Father Victor recalled that during their time in the seminary, they lived “in cramped conditions, but without offence”. As a student, Metropolitan Hilarion loved to read lives of saints and to share them with others. Other seminarians would often come to him for help, and he always listened patiently, lovingly, untiringly. He had the rare gift and ability to listen, Father Victor said.
Father Potapov further commented that Metropolitan Hilarion was always missionary-minded, and that he spent a considerable amount of time diligently translating classic Russian spiritual literature into English. Under his hierarchical care, many English-speaking communities were established in the Eastern American Diocese. He added that Metropolitan Hilarion made no distinction amongst people based on ethnicity, skin colour, or gender. Rather, he saw the image and likeness of God first and foremost in everyone.
He also said that although His Eminence had been diagnosed with cancer several years previously, he remained active visiting parishes, receiving visitors, and administering his diocese. He said that Vladyka Hilarion possessed blessed poverty, and that he exemplified the Beatitudes.
Metropolitan Tikhon (Shevkunov) of Pskov and Porkhov, Abbot of the Pskov Caves Monastery responded by writing :
Metropolitan Hilarion was a representative of that spiritual line of Russian bishops who stood out for their absolutely unbendable, unshakeable steadfastness, and their invincible strength. No-one and nothing, no outward circumstances were able to change his infinite meekness and kindness. His instrument in his pastoral work was kindness. His response to every attack and trial was kindness. His decision in the most confusing and complicated situations, when firm and strict corrective measures were justly proposed, were again and again to show only kindness. He seemed to stand entirely on this feeling. 'A rule of faith and model of meekness' — that is how this Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad will be remembered. He will be remembered as a gentle and quiet teachers of goodness. Once we were together in Latin America (I don’t even remember which country). A tiny church : A bishop, a batiushka, and a tiny community of parishioners. And then, after the festive service, absolutely out of place, a woman came up with the request to baptise her child. The tired priests said, 'My dear, forgive us ! We simply have no strength. Come next Sunday'. She left, and along with her, Metropolitan Hilarion unnoticeably disappeared from the presence of our modest repast. As it turns out, he — the Primate ! — returned the woman to the church, filled a tub with water, and grunting a little and somewhat awkwardly vesting himself in priestly vestments quietly performed the Sacrament so as not to bother anyone else. And then he unnoticeably returned to our table. 'Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God : whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation' (Hebrews 13:7). Some Orthodox teachers leave us spiritual instructions. Others leave us the lessons of their lives, ineffable in their power. Such was the excellent, wise, grace-filled, kind Vladyka Hilarion.
_and_Metropolitan_Hilarion_(Kapra)_2.png)
Archimandrite Tikhon (Shevkunov) and Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral)
Awards
Century Medal (Australia, 1 January, 2001).
The right to wear a diamond Cross (usually glass) on the klobuk (December, 2003).
Imperial Order of Saint Anne, 1st degree (4 August, 2007, “Russian Imperial House”).
Order of Saint Sergius of Radonezh, 2nd degree (17 May, 2008).
Order of Saint Innocent, the Enlightener of America (10 December, 2011 : The Orthodox Church in America).
Order of Saint Seraphim of Sarov, 2nd degree (6 January, 2013, "With regard to his hard work, and in connection with the 65th anniversary").
Insignia "For zeal" (12 February, 2016 : "for his great personal contribution to strengthening relations between the Trans-Baikal Territory and the Russian compatriots of Australia ; for his active assistance in organising the first screening of the film about the life of Trans-Baikal Cossacks, 'Trans-Baikal Odyssey'").
The right to wear the second panagia within the Russian Church Outside Russia (18 July, 2017 : “For church merit and in connection with the 10th anniversary of the Restoration of Canonical Communion in the united Local Russian Church”).
The Order of Saint Raphael of Brooklyn, 1st degree (31 January, 2018, from the Antiochian Archdiocese of North America in connection with the 70th anniversary of his birth).
Writings
Sermons, speeches, reports
Articles archived on the "Orthodox Life" web-site
Articles archived on the "Orthodox Christianity" web-site
Articles archived on the “Orthodox Russia” (“Pravoslavnaya Rus”) web-site (Journal of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia published in Jordanville, New York)
• ‘Words when naming the Bishop of Manhattan’ in “Orthodox Russia”, no. 24, 1285 (1985), pp. 8-9.
• ‘Greetings from the Committee of Russian Orthodox Youth Abroad’ in “Orthodox Russia”, no. 24,1357 (1987), p. 7.
• ‘House of Mercy” in “Orthodox Russia”, no. 24, 1453 (1991), p. 4.
• ‘Synod of Bishops’ in “Orthodox Russia”, no. 14, 1467 (1992), p. 7.
• ‘In Memory of Archimandrite Fr. Lazarus (Moore)’ in “Orthodox Russia”, no. 24, 1477 (1992), pp. 12-13.
• ‘On the 40th Day since the Death of Archimandrite Arseny’ in “Orthodox Russia”, no. 6, 1483 (1993), pp. 5-6 (co-authored with L M K)
• ‘In Memory of Archimandrite Gelasius’ in “Orthodox Russia”, no. 21, 1522 (1994), p. 14.
• ‘Mission of the Russian Orthodox Church in Korea’ in “Pravoslavnaya Rus”, no. 24, 1525 (1994), pp. 14-15.
• ‘The Death of Archbishop Paul’ in “Orthodox Russia”, no. 5, 1530 (1995), pp. 12-13 (co-authored with E Shirinskaya).
• ‘Illustrated Calendar of the Committee of Russian Orthodox Youth’ in “Orthodox Russia", no. 21, 1546 (1995), p. 12.
• ‘Visit to the ROCOR Mission in Haiti’ in “Orthodox Russia”, no. 5,1554 (1996), pp. 8-9, 15.
• ‘Words of the Reverend Archbishop Hilarion upon Arrival at the Sydney See’ in “Church News”, no. 6/7 (Sydney, 1996), pp. 1-2.
• ‘Greetings from His Grace Archbishop Hilarion, delivered in the Cathedral of Saints Apostles Peter and Paul to the new Vicar of the Australian-New Zealand Diocese, His Grace Gabriel, Bishop of Brisbane’ in “Orthodox Russia”, no. 9 (1996), pp. 6-7.
• ‘Holy Scripture and our Attitude to it’ in “Orthodox Russia”, no. 2 (1997), pp. 15-17.
• ‘Opening Speech by the ruling Bishop of the Australia-New Zealand Diocese at the 11th Diocesan Congress, Sydney, April 29-30 and May 1, 1998’ in “Orthodox Russia”, no. 3 (1998), pp. 4-7.
• ‘Report of the ruling Bishop on the State of Affairs with the Registration of Property at the 11th diocesan Congress’ in “Orthodox Rus”, no. 3, pp. 8-12, 14.
• ‘Help our Missionary in Korea’ in “Pravoslavnaya Rus”, no. 4, p. 25.
• ‘History of Russian Orthodoxy in Australia and Thoughts about its Future’ in “Orthodox Russia”, no. 2 (1999), pp. 3-9.
• ‘A Copy of the Letter sent by Archbishop Hilarion to Prime Minister John Howard’ in “Orthodox Russia”, no. 3, p. 22.
• ‘Help put up a Monument at the Grave of Father Innokenty’ in “Orthodox Russia”, nos. 7/8, p. 27.
• ‘Christian Hospitality’ in “Orthodox Russia”, no. 1 (2000), pp. 8-13.
• ‘Brief Biography of Father Michael Lee’ in “Orthodox Russia”, no. 5, pp. 20-21.
• ‘Judge Not, That Ye be Not Judged’ in “Pravoslavnaya Rus”, no. 1 (2001), pp. 1-2, 7-8.
• ‘Word on the Day of the Glorification of the holy New Russian Saints’ in “Orthodox Russia”, no. 4, pp. 3-7.
• ‘Report of the Reverend Archbishop Hilarion about the Life of the Australian-New Zealand Diocese’ in “Orthodox Russia”, no. 1 (2002), pp. 5-8.
• ‘Archbishop Hilarion's Report at the Diocesan Congress of the Australian-New Zealand Diocese on March 13-26, 2005’ in “Orthodox Russia”, no. 4 (2005), pp. 23-26.
• ‘About the upcoming All-Diaspora Council’ in “Orthodox Russia”, no. 3 (2006), pp. 4-6.
• ‘Statement by Archbishop Hilarion of Sydney and Australia-New Zealand, 1st Deputy Chairman of the Synod of Bishops at the Diocesan Congress of the Diocese of Australia and New Zealand, March 13-26, 2005’ in “Orthodox Russia”, no. 9, pp. 10-11.
• ‘Archbishop Hilarion's Speech by Correspondence at the Funeral Service for Metropolitan Vitaly’ in “Orthodox Russia”, no. 1 (2007), pp. 8-9.
• Address of Metropolitan Hilarion at his enthronement (2008)
• Speech by Metropolitan Hilarion on the Occasion of the 5th Anniversary of the Restoration of Canonical Unity of the Russian Orthodox Church (20 May, 2012)
• Speech by Metropolitan Hilarion on the Occasion of the 80th Anniversary of the Founding of the Eastern American Diocese (14 March, 2014)
• Nativity Epistle of Metropolitan Hilarion (2018/2019)
‘Greetings from Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and New York’ in “Church of Martyrs (Persecution of the Church in the 20th Century), Materials of the International Science Conference (6-7 February 2020, Holy Dormition Kiev-Pechersk Lavra)” (Kiev : Vidavnichy Viddil of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 2020), pp. 19-20.
Interviews
• Interview in Oklahoma with Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral) : “I dreamt of the Priesthood since Childhood” (no date)
• Interview : “For me, being Russian means being Orthodox” (2007)
• Interview : “Pressing Problems in the Church in our Times” by Igor Smykov (2010)
• Interview : 'Metropolitan Hilarion : Education and Formation', in "Orthodox Life" interview of Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral) by Sergei Jakubov (2010)
• Interview : “The Reunification of the Two Parts of the Russian Church” (2012)
• Interview : “If there is Prayer and Repentance, God will give an Abundance of His Grace” (2020)
• Interview : “The Example of the New Martyrs shows how to live under Persecution” (2021)
References
Moscow Patriarchate biography (in Russian)
Azbyka.ru biography (in Russian)
Additional information :
Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR) web-site
Official ROCOR web-site (in Russian)
Orthodoxwiki article about the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia
Wikipedia article about the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia
Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, New York
Holy Trinity Seminary in Jordanville, New York
Short History of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia
Diocese of Eastern America and New York
Confirmation of the election of Metropolitan Hilarion
Metropolitan Philaret (Voznesensky)
Archbishop Panteleimon (Rudyk)
Archbishop Gabriel (Chemodakov)
Глава Русской зарубежной церкви торжественно возведён в сан RIA Novosti News Report about the enthronement (18 May, 2008) (in Russian)
Богослужения настолования Первоиерарха Русской Зарубежной Церкви в Нью-Йорке начались с возведения владыки Илариона в сан митрополита На официальном сайте МП 18 мая 2008 г. Moscow Patriarchate news about the enthronement (18 May, 2008) (in Russian)
В Нью-Йорке вступил в должность новый первоиерарх РПЦЗ Интерфакс.ru 18 мая 2008 Interfax item about the enthronement (18 May, 2008 ) (in Russian)
Photo report of the enthronement of the new First Hierarch (2008)
Orthochristian.com article about 30th Anniversary of Metropolitan Hilarion’s Episcopal Ordination (14-15 November, 2014)
New York City : Metropolitan Hilarion blesses Bust of Tsar-Passionbearer Nicholas II at Synodal Headquarters (17 July, 2018)
“New York City : Metropolitan Hilarion leads Patronal Feast of Synodal Saint Sergius Mission Chapel” (18 July, 2018)
Metropolitan Hilarion leads Patronal Feast of Synodal Saint Sergius Mission Chapel, New York City (18 July, 2018)
Celebration by Metropolitan Hilarion of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy for the Leave-taking of the Nativity of Christ (with slideshow) (13 January, 2019)
Last Words of Metropolitan Hilarion : “We are happy that we have achieved Unity” (16 May, 2022)
‘Jurisdictions come together for funeral and burial of Metropolitan Hilarion of ROCOR’ in “Orthodox Christianity” (22 May, 2022)
[life.org/in-memoriam/metropolitan-hilarion-interview-2/ Orthodox Life interview : “Metropolitan Hilarion : ROCOR’s Mission and Calling Today” by Sergei Jabukov] (24 May, 2022)
Diocese of Great Britain and Ireland web-site
Orthodox Europe article about the ROCOR in Western Europe
Video Sermon : “Beheading of Saint John the Baptist” (2015)
Video : Serving the Russian Church from Canada to Australia (2021)
Video : Panikhida at "The Sign" Cathedral, New York, for Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral) (16 May, 2022)
Video : Pankhida for Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral) (17 May, 2022)
Video : Synodal Cathedral Livestream Panikhida (19 May, 2022)
Video : In Remembrance of Metropolitan Hilarion (20 May, 2022)
Video : Parastas and interment at Holy Trinity Monastery, Jordanville, New York (22 May, 2022)
Video : Funeral of Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral) (excerpts) (25 May, 2022)