Metropolitan Hilarion, the former head of foreign relations for the Russian Orthodox Church, has broken his silence following a series of serious allegations against him. Once a prominent figure in the Church and a potential successor to Patriarch Kirill, Hilarion’s fall from grace began after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. While no official reason was given for his exile to Hungary, many observers attribute it to his neutral stance on the war, which contrasted sharply with Patriarch Kirill’s vocal support for Vladimir Putin’s policies. In Putin’s Russia, where criticizing the war is a criminal offense, Hilarion’s refusal to endorse the conflict likely cost him his position. The allegations against Hilarion escalated in June 2024 when George Suzuki, a former aide, accused him of sexual misconduct and collaboration with Russia’s FSB intelligence agency. Suzuki, a 23-year-old Japanese citizen, began working for Hilarion after his arrival in Budapest and has since posted video and audio clips on his YouTube channel to support his claims. Hilarion denies all allegations, stating that some of the evidence has been doctored. He has vowed to refute the accusations in court. Hilarion admits to mistakes in his treatment of Suzuki, including agreeing to financial demands from Suzuki’s family, but maintains his innocence regarding harassment and espionage. The case has gained urgency as the Czech government considers imposing sanctions on Hilarion, potentially forcing him to return to Russia. Despite the ordeal, Hilarion remains loyal to the Russian Orthodox Church and Patriarch Kirill. His supporters fear that Kremlin hardliners are targeting him to tarnish his reputation. The former Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, suggested that the Kremlin’s modus operandi is recognizable in this case. Hilarion’s future remains uncertain as he navigates legal battles and political pressures.