Philaret (Vakhromeyev) facts for kids
Metropolitan Philaret (born Kirill Varfolomeyevich Vakhromeev) was an important leader of the Belarusian Orthodox Church. He was born in Moscow, Russia, on March 21, 1935, and passed away in Minsk, Belarus, on January 12, 2021. Philaret served as the Metropolitan of Minsk and Slutsk and was the leader of the Belarusian Orthodox Church, which is a self-governing part of the Russian Orthodox Church. He stepped down from his role on December 25, 2013.
His Journey in the Church
Kirill Vakhromeev was born in Moscow in 1935. He began his studies at the Moscow Theological Academy in 1954. During his time there, he became a monk in 1959 and chose the name Filaret. He earned a doctorate in theology from the academy two years later.
After serving in different cities like Minsk, Kaliningrad, and Moscow, Filaret was appointed Metropolitan of Minsk and the entire Belarusian region in 1978. A Metropolitan is a high-ranking bishop in the Orthodox Church.
Leading the Church in Belarus
In 1989, as the Soviet Union was coming to an end, Philaret was given the important role of patriarchal exarch for the new country of Belarus. This meant he was the main representative of the Patriarch (the head of the Russian Orthodox Church) in Belarus. He also briefly served as a people's deputy in the Supreme Council of Belarus.
In 2006, Philaret was honored with the title Hero of Belarus by President Alexander Lukashenko. This award recognized his significant work and contributions to the Russian Orthodox Church.
Later Years and Legacy
Metropolitan Philaret passed away on January 12, 2021, after being hospitalized with COVID-19. Many people, including leaders from other churches, sent their condolences. Cardinal Kurt Koch of the Catholic Church noted that Philaret had a big impact on the church in Belarus. He helped bring church life back to Belarus, supported the building of new churches and monasteries, and developed religious education programs.
On May 3, 2022, a monument to Metropolitan Philaret was unveiled near the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Minsk. President Alexander Lukashenko attended the ceremony, showing the lasting respect for Philaret's contributions.
See also
In Spanish: Filaret para niños
