Suspended Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev) of Hungary

When Orthodoxy in Dialogue began reporting on then-Metropolitan Joseph Al-Zehlaoui’s  predatory, adulterous affair in August 2022, our inbox became flooded with a daily barrage of incriminating evidence from sources all over. We did our due diligence to sift credible information from uncorroborated gossip. Our hard work resulted in his swift, forcible “retirement.” He finished himself off by giving the Holy Synod of Antioch no choice but to defrock him and return him to lay status—precisely what we had urged from day one of our coverage.

The same snowball effect may have begun to gain traction since our report on Metropolitan Hilarion Alfeyev ‘s alleged predatory gay affair just three short days ago.

Several sources have reached out to us with allegations that Alfeyev did not author his popular books on theology, such as SVS Press’ Orthodox Christianity – The Complete Set. A source close to the Moscow Patriarchate apparatus confirms that the suspicions circulating around ghost-written books are credible enough to warrant an investigation. This individual even raises the question of whether Alfeyev’s musical compositions are authentically his creations.

It seems that SVS Press may now have two reasons to remove Alfeyev’s titles from its list.

More importantly, we urge the Patriarchate to conduct a full and transparent investigation into these allegations. Hierarchs, clergy, and laity who wish to weigh in may reach out to us at editors@orthodoxyindialogue.com. We assure you that we will keep your names anonymous.