Exiled Russian Orthodox Metropolitan Denies Espionage and Harassment Allegations
Metropolitan Hilarion, a former high-ranking official in the Russian Orthodox Church, vehemently denied allegations of working as an intelligence agent and engaging in sexual misconduct today, following accusations leveled by a former aide.
Hilarion, who was removed from his position as head of the Church’s foreign relations after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, addressed the claims made by 23-year-old George Suzuki. Suzuki alleges both sexual harassment and collaboration with Russia’s FSB intelligence agency, posting video and audio clips online as evidence. Hilarion insists, “I have never worked for any intelligence [agency], be it Russian or any other. I have never had any tasks or duties or requests on their part,” adding that working for the Church and intelligence are “two very different allegiances.” He claims some of the material presented by Suzuki has been doctored and intends to challenge it in court.
The situation escalated after Suzuki accused Hilarion of financial exploitation, alleging a scheme involving demands for large sums of money. Hilarion reported Suzuki to Hungarian police for extortion after being asked for €384,000 in exchange for destroying alleged evidence, and an international arrest warrant was subsequently issued following the reported theft of cash and watches. This case has drawn international attention, with the Czech government now considering sanctions against Hilarion, potentially jeopardizing his current position in Karlovy Vary. The controversy highlights the complex relationship between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Kremlin, a dynamic explored in detail by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
Despite the accusations, Hilarion maintains his loyalty to the Russian Orthodox Church and Patriarch Kirill, stating, “Any war is a tragedy, and the Church is always with the suffering people.” He expressed regret for allowing Suzuki to come to Hungary and for responding to the family’s “financial demands.” Officials stated they will await the outcome of legal proceedings and further investigation before making any final determinations regarding sanctions.
