Is Metropolitan Hilarion free in his decisions? The “Miami crisis” in the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia

10 Январь, 2020

From September-November of 2019, the property of the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Matrona of Moscow in Miami and the Stavropegic Monastery of St. Nicholas in Fort Myers (Florida, USA) became the objects of attempted seizure by a group of individuals in the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR).  For that purpose, a campaign was unleashed to discredit and remove the Archpriest of the cathedral and monastery, Archimandrite Alexander (Belya), who occupied the position of the Dean of the Florida District of ROCOR and had served as an Orthodox priest for nine years (eight of which were in ROCOR).  His work as both a missionary and an administrator had earned him many awards both by ROCOR and other local Orthodox churches.

In December 2018 at the written request of the First Hierarch Metropolitan Hilarion at a meeting of the ROCOR Synod of Bishops, Archimandrite Alexander was elected by a majority vote to the position of the Vicar Bishop of the Eastern American Diocese. On August 30, 2019, after thorough study and consideration, the election of Archimandrite Alexander as the Bishop of Miami was approved by the Patriarch of Moscow and the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church (Journal No. 106). However slanderous and false rumors were spread online with the purpose of discrediting and removing him. These claimed that the Synod of ROCOR had not considered or approved the candidacy of Archimandrite Alexander and Metropolitan Hilarion had not signed any documents.

Архимандрит Александр (Беля). Archimandrite Alexander (Belya)
Archimandrite Alexander (Belya)

Based on these slanderous statements, an unsuccessful attempt was made by ROCOR to remove Archimandrite Alexander from the management of the cathedral and monastery in Florida.  At the same time, an attempt to murder Father Archimandrite was made, which is currently under investigation. V. Zadorozhnyy, I. Tsybin and I. Babenko were the individuals who began the campaign of slander to discredit Archimandrite Alexander. They spread rumors against him in the monastery, and wrote slanderous letters and denunciations. As I. Tsybin later admitted in writing, they acted with the encouragement and at the instigation of Father Alexander’s longtime detractor Bishop Nikolay (Olkhovskiy) of Manhattan, the Vicar and Secretary of the Eastern American Diocese, who is also the Deputy Secretary of the ROCOR Synod of Bishops. Motivated by envy at the missionary success of Father Alexander in Florida, he persuaded these individuals to secretly create accusations and denunciations at the parish against Father Alexander and to transfer them in writing to the Synod.  Bishop Nikolay also tried to block the majority decision of the ROCOR Synod to elect Father Alexander as the Vicar of the Eastern American Diocese in order to avoid having to share the power with him. As a result of his efforts the decision of the ROCOR Synod to elect Father Alexander as the Bishop of Miami was not published on the ROCOR website www.synod.com.  The decision of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church of August 30, 2019 regarding the approval of the candidacy of Father Alexander was not published either. It should be noted that on the ROCOR website the texts of the meetings of the Synod of Bishops are never posted, which made it possible for further manipulation and changes to decisions already made. Bishop Nikolay, having collected slanderous accusations with assistance of this group, initiated the campaign against Father Alexander.  On September 3, 2019 he presented Metropolitan Hilarion in writing, with an ultimatum demanding that he “withdraw the candidacy of Archimandrite Alexander (Belya) and not to consider it in the future,” as well as his suspension as a priest and removal from all positions. At the same time, with this statement Bishop Nikolay unwittingly confirmed that the candidacy of Archimandrite Alexander had been approved by the ROCOR Synod, which he then urged to “withdraw” it retroactively and “not to consider it” in the future.

The most shameless slander against Archimandrite Alexander in this entire campaign was the false accusation that he had not been elected by the ROCOR Synod as the Bishop of Miami and somehow “misled” the entire Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church and Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, into approving his candidacy at their meeting on August 30, 2019.

As these slanderous accusations have caused serious damage to the reputation of Archimandrite Alexander, we are forced to publish some of the documents in our possession. They indisputably confirm his election as the Vicar Bishop of the Eastern American Diocese of ROCOR. Further documents will be made public as well. All these have passed the appropriate examination for their authenticity by experts. Any further accusations of “forgery” will be interpreted as deliberately false information and slander in order to discredit the honor, dignity and reputation of Archimandrite Alexander, for which the liability will be in accordance with the current legislation.

The following facts and documents are presented in chronological order.

On August 15, 2018, Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and New York in his letter to Archimandrite Alexander (Belya), the Dean of Florida district of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, informed him that he had nominated him for the Vicar position in the Eastern American Diocese for consideration by the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (Document K-1). This reason for the nomination was that Florida is a large region with numerous Russian-speaking Orthodox population. In order to facilitate effective missionary work in this state, he needed to appoint a Vicar Bishop.  Archimandrite Alexander’s successful missionary work in Florida was well known. For that reason, Metropolitan Hilarion in writing ordered Father Alexander to meet with other bishops to give a more detailed account of his work in order to assess his qualifications regarding his candidacy for Vicar Bishop of Florida. “At the latest meeting of the Synod of Bishops we proposed your candidacy for the position of the Vicar of Florida. Many bishops have supported our proposal, some are still undecided and want to learn more about You in personal communication. Therefore, I give my blessing to You to meet with the most reverend archpastors of our Church…”,  stated the letter of Metropolitan Hilarion No. 8-6 / 18 dated August 15, 2018.

______________________________________________________________________________

HILARION

Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York

First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia

75 E. 93rd Street, New York, NY 10128 USA Tel.: (917) 848-9706, (917) 543-5199,

Fax: (212) 534-17981

August 15, 2018

# 8-6 / 18

Your Eminence, dear Father Archimandrite Alexander (Belya)!

BLESSING

In April of this year we have performed an archpastor’s visit to the seat of your Florida diocese. During the seven years of your service in this state, the largest church of the region – the Cathedral of St. Matrona of Moscow in Miami – has been shining magnificently, the icon lamp of the prayer has been smoldering with the new force in the Monastery of St. Nicholas in Fort Myers. It is comforting to see that along with that the small missions are developing, and most important – there are more Orthodox religious people.

At the latest meeting of the Synod of Bishops we proposed your candidacy for the position of the Vicar of Florida. Many bishops have supported our proposal, some are still undecided and want to learn more about You in personal communication. Therefore, I give my blessing to you to meet with the most Reverend archpastors of our Church, so that they can know you better and make their decision regarding your candidacy for the Vicar of Florida. I hope for the God’s Providence, support, and a positive decision by our bishops.

With love to God,

(round stamp)

Hilarion

Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York,

First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia

K-1

______________________________________________________________________________

On December 5-10, 2018, Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and New York chaired a regular meeting of the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia in an expanded format. It was attended by Archbishop of Berlin and Germany Mark, Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America Kirill – the Secretary; Archbishop of Montreal and Canada Gavriil, Archbishop of Chicago and Middle America Peter, Bishop of Richmond and Western Europe Irenaeus, Bishop of Seattle Theodosius, Vicar of the diocese of Western America; Bishop of Canberra George, Vicar of the diocese of Australia and New Zealand, and Bishop of Manhattan Nikolay, Deputy Secretary, Vicar of the Eastern American diocese. As noted in the official press release of December 11, 2018 on the website of the Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, “During the meeting of the Synod of Bishops the issues of extension of the episcopate were discussed.” One of the candidates for the Bishop’s position – Rector of the Holy Trinity Seminary, Archimandrite Luka (Muryanka) gave a report in front of the members of the Synod. By the way, the candidacy of Archimandrite Luka had been repeatedly approved in the election of a Bishop, but then the decision had been reversed, and this lasted for several years; that day his candidacy was considered for the 5th time.  Prior to Father Luka, Archimandrite Alexander (Belya), the Dean of Florida District of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, was heard with a similar report. Within 40 minutes, he told the Synod members about himself and his missionary work in Florida as the Dean, Rector of St. Matrona’s Cathedral in Miami and Abbot of Stavropegic Monastery of St. Nicholas in Fort Myers. After the report, Archimandrite Alexander answered the questions of the bishops who were present. A vote was held afterwards, in which both candidates were elected for the Bishop’s position by a majority vote (with several against). At the end of the meeting, the First Hierarch Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and New York informed the candidates that they had been elected as bishops by a majority of votes, and congratulated them on this. On the same day Father Alexander and  Father Luka were congratulated on their election as Bishops by other members of the Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, although not all (among those who were against, was the Deputy Secretary of the Synod, Vicar and Secretary of the Eastern American diocese, Bishop of Manhattan Nikolay (Olkhovsky), who later became the main initiator of the persecution against Father Alexander). There is evidence that on December 6, 2018, Metropolitan Hilarion personally congratulated Father Alexander on his election as the Bishop at the Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia and notified him of the Synod’s decision.

______________________________________________________________________________

HILARION

Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York

First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia

75 E. 93rd Street, New York, NY 10128 USA Tel.: (917) 848-9706, (917) 543-5199,

Fax: (212) 534-1798

December 10, 2018

# 12-4 / 18

To His Holiness,

Most Holy KIRILL,

Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia

Your Holiness!

I congratulate you heartily with the holiday of the Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God – the Guide and the Protector of the Land Outside of Russia!

On December 6-10, the meeting of the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia in expanded format took place in New York. I am happy to share the joyful news – by a majority vote two Vicar Bishops have been elected to the diocese entrusted to me. They are most worthy candidates:

— Archimandrite Luca (Muryanka) – the hegumen of the Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, elected as the Bishop of Syracuse.

— Archimandrite Alexander (Belya) – the hegumen of Stavropegic Monastery of St. Nicholas in Fort Myers, the Archpriest of the Cathedral of St. Matrona of Moscow in Miami, the head of the Diocese of Florida district, elected as the Bishop of Miami.

In the nearest future Your Holiness will be sent the requests of the appointment of the candidates at the next meeting of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church.

With love to God,

(round stamp)

Hilarion

Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York,

First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia

K-8

______________________________________________________________________________

On December 10, 2018, despite the fact that Metropolitan Hilarion had signed document No. 12-4 / 18 of 12.10.2018 regarding the election of Father Alexander as the Bishop (Doc. K-8), the First Hierarch informed Archimandrite Alexander (Belya) in writing that for the final appointment of the date of his Episcopal consecration, he needed to correct several comments from the members of the Synod, who were against his election, of which there is a respective document (Doc. K-2). In this document No. 12-3 / 18 of December 10, 2018, the First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia wrote to Father Alexander, “I hereby inform you that at the meeting of the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia on December 6 this year, your candidacy has been considered and by a majority vote you have been elected the Vicar Bishop of the Eastern American diocese for the state of Florida. The members of the Synod pointed out the need to preserve the traditions of the Russian Church Outside of Russia… After your correction of all the comments, the date of Episcopal consecration will be set.”

______________________________________________________________________________

HILARION

Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York

First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia

75 E. 93rd Street, New York, NY 10128 USA Tel.: (917) 848-9706, (917) 543-5199,

Fax: (212) 534-1798

December 10, 2018

# 12-3 / 18

To Archimandrite Alexander (Belya)

Your Reverence!

I hereby inform you that at the meeting of the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia on December 6 this year, your candidacy has been considered and by a majority vote you have been elected the Vicar Bishop of the Eastern American diocese for the state of Florida. The members of the Synod pointed out the need to preserve the traditions of the Russian Church Outside of Russia, namely:

1. The calendar published by the Cathedral the Julian Calendar dates should be included.

2. To discontinue the practice of general confession at the Cathedral of St. Matrona of Moscow in Miami.

3. The Cathedral of St. Matrona of Moscow should be registered according to the Statute of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.

4. The Easter service should be performed in white vestments.

After your correction of all the comments, the date of episcopal consecration will be set.

I invoke the God’s blessing on your work.

With love to God,

(round stamp)

Hilarion

Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York,

First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia

K-2

______________________________________________________________________________

At the same time, the Synod had instructed the Archbishop of Montreal and Canada Gavriil (Chemodakov) to bring to the attention of Archimandrite Alexander the existing comments that he needed to correct, and then check their implementation. After checking all the corrections, Archbishop Gavriil later wrote in a memorandum addressed to the First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia: “I had the opportunity to check the comments indicated at the Synod and certify that all of them have been corrected within the shortest time possible. In this regard, I do not see any obstacles to approve the date of consecration of Archimandrite Alexander (Belya), elected as the Vicar Bishop for Miami, of which I hereby inform Your Eminence.” Archbishop Gavriil confirmed these words at the Synod.

______________________________________________________________________________

To His Eminence,

Most Reverend Hilarion,

Metropolitan of Eastern America in New York

First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia

Your Eminence, dear Metropolitan Hilarion!

At the last expanded meeting of the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia that took place on December 6-10, 2018, I was assigned to advise Archimandrite Alexander (Belya) about the list of comments to resolve in the nearest time.

I had the opportunity to check the comments indicated at the Synod and certify that all of them have been corrected within the shortest time possible. In this regard, I do not see any obstacles to approve the date of consecration of Archimandrite Alexander (Belya), elected as the Vicar Bishop for Miami, of which I hereby inform Your Eminence.

With love to God,

Archbishop Gavriil

Archbishop of Montreal and Canada

______________________________________________________________________________

Based on this, and having personally checked the corrections of all the comments, Metropolitan Hilarion wrote letter No. 1-14/19 dated January 11, 2019 to the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill, which informed the Patriarch about the election of Archimandrite Alexander (Belya) as the Bishop Miami and asked to approve this election at the meeting of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church (Doc. Q-1). There are 4 originals of this document: one of each in possession of Patriarch Kirill and Metropolitan Hilarion, and two in possession of Archimandrite Alexander.

In addition, there is evidence that Metropolitan Hilarion in the altar of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow on February 1, 2019 during the conversation with Archbishop Michael of Prague (Dandar) in the presence of witnesses confirmed the election of Father Alexander as the Bishop at the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia. This fact can be confirmed by Archbishop Michael himself, as well as other witnesses.

______________________________________________________________________________

HILARION

Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York

First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia

75 E. 93rd Street, New York, NY 10128 USA Tel.: (917) 848-9706, (917) 543-5199,

Fax: (212) 534-1798

January 11, 2019

# 1-14 / 19

To His Holiness,

Most Holy KIRILL,

Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia

Your Holiness!

I hereby respectfully inform Your Holiness that at the latest expanded meeting of the Archbishop Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (December 6-10, 2018) Archimandrite Alexander (Belya) – hegumen of Stavropegic Monastery of St. Nicholas in Fort Myers, the Archpriest of the Cathedral of St. Matrona of Moscow in Miami, the head of Diocese of Florida district – was elected as the Bishop of Miami, the Vicar of the Eastern American Diocese.

At the same meeting, the member of the Synod recommended Archimandrite Alexander correct several comments. Since Father Alexander has corrected everything within the shortest time possible, I hereby ask Your Holiness to approve this candidacy at the next meeting of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church.

With love of God,

(round stamp)

Hilarion

Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York,

First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia

Q-1

______________________________________________________________________________

After that, Bishop Nikolay started inventing various untruths and voice them to the First Hierarch.

For example, he claimed that Archimandrite Alexander does not have theological education, and it is unclear whether his priestly ordination had been ever performed, etc. In order to verify the information on these issues, Metropolitan Hilarion on May 4, 2019 sent two letters: to Dean the Hussite Faculty of Karlov University in Prague Professor Yan Lashek, and Honorary Metropolitan of the Czech Lands and Slovakia Christopher, who during the teaching of Archimandrite Alexander (Belya) in the Czech Republic was the Primate of the Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia, knew him well and was elevated to the rank of Archimandrite. In particular, in letter No. 5-7 / 19 of May 4, 2019 Metropolitan Hilarion wrote to Metropolitan Christopher: “The Synod of Bishops of the Russian Church Outside of Russia has elected Archimandrite Alexander (Belya) as the Vicar Bishop with the title of “Miami” for the Eastern American Diocese entrusted to me. I ask you to provide the recommendation letter of Father Alexander regarding the time of his studies at the Orthodox Theological faculty of Pryashev University in Slovakia and during the obedience in the Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia.” A similar letter signed by Metropolitan Hilarion was sent to the Dean of the Hussite faculty of Karlov University in Prague Professor Yan Lashek.

______________________________________________________________________________

HILARION

Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York

First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia

75 E. 93rd Street, New York, NY 10128 USA Tel.: (917) 848-9706, (917) 543-5199,

Fax: (212) 534-1798

May 4, 2019

# 5-8 / 19

To Pro-Dean

of the Hussite Faculty of Karlov University in Prague

Professor Yan Lashek

Christ has risen!

I sincerely congratulate you on the great holiday of the Easter of Christ!

The Synod of Bishops of the Russian Church Outside of Russia has elected Archimandrite Alexander (Belya) as the Vicar Bishop with the title of “Miami” for the Eastern American Diocese entrusted to me. I ask you to provide the recommendation letter of Father Alexander regarding the time of his studies at Karlov University, where he defended the doctoral thesis with the topic “The Ideologic and Reformative Movements in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the First Half of the 20th century.”

With love to the Risen God,

(round stamp)

Hilarion

Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York,

First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia

______________________________________________________________________________

HILARION

Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York

First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia

75 E. 93rd Street, New York, NY 10128 USA Tel.: (917) 848-9706, (917) 543-5199,

Fax: (212) 534-1798

May 4, 2019

# 5-7 / 19

To the Honorable Metropolitan of the Czech Lands and Slovakia

Your Beatitude, dear Metropolitan Christofor!

Christ has risen!

On the bright days of The Resurrection of Christ I sincerely congratulate you on the Easter of God, and wish from the Risen Savior peace, spiritual and physical strength, and unfailing Easter joy!

The Synod of Bishops of the Russian Church Outside of Russia has elected Archimandrite Alexander (Belya) as the Vicar Bishop with the title of “Miami” for the Eastern American Diocese entrusted to me. I ask you to provide the recommendation letter of Father Alexander regarding the time of his studies at the Orthodox Theological faculty of Pryashev University in Slovakia and during the obedience in the Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia.

With love to the Risen God,

(round stamp)

Hilarion

Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York,

First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia

______________________________________________________________________________

On May 10, 2019, a response was received from Metropolitan Christophor, which reads in part: “I was delighted to learn that the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia elected Archimandrite Alexander (Belya) as a Bishop. If Father Alexander had remained in the Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia, I believe he would have been a bishop long ago. Despite the fact that Archbishop Simeon invited him to return several times, Father Alexander refused.

In 1998, Archimandrite Alexander commenced his full-time studies at the Orthodox Theological Faculty of Pryashev University in Preshov (Slovakia), where I taught him several courses. With me and other teachers, he was calm, proved himself on the positive side. At the University, he was active, always wanted to do something, which pushed other students to work. Since the training was conducted in the Slovak language, Father Alexander had to learn this language. He studied well, although it was not easy for him, completed his studies with good grades and received a diploma from my hands in 2003 < … > Having defended his thesis in Prague (large doctorate) and after turning 30, Father Alexander took the rank. In 2011, Bishop Simeon turned 85 years old. On the Day of the Three Saints at the monastery of the Dormition of the Mother of God in Vilemovo (Czech Republic), during the great celebration in which I also took part, Father Alexander was ordained as a deacon by Archbishop Simeon, and the following day, at the Cathedral of St. Vyacheslav in Brno, he was ordained as a priest.”

______________________________________________________________________________

EMERITUSS METROPOLITAN OF THE CZECH LANDS AND SLOVAKIA

_______________________________________________________________________

ORTHODOX CHURCH OF THE CZECH LANDS AND SLOVAKIA

May 10, 2019

To His Eminence,

Most Reverend HILARION,

Metropolitan of Eastern America

and New York, First Hierarch

of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia

Your Eminence!

With all my heart I congratulate You on the Day of the Holy Resurrection of Christ and salute with the ever-living exclamation: CHRIST HAS RISEN! I wish You, dear Metropolitan, Easter joy, strong health and God’s assistance in Your uneasy First Hierarch’s work for the good of the Holy Mother Church.

With the warmth I remember my visit to New York and America in 2016, meeting Your Eminence and the shown hospitality.

I was delighted to learn that the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia elected Archimandrite Alexander (Belya) as a bishop. If Father Alexander had remained in the Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia, I believe he would have been a bishop long ago. Despite the fact that Archbishop Simeon invited him to return several times, Father Alexander refused.

In 1998, Archimandrite Alexander commenced his full-time studies at the Orthodox Theological Faculty of Pryashev University in Preshov (Slovakia), where I taught him several courses. With me and other teachers, he was calm, proved himself on the positive side. At the University, he was active, always wanted to do something, which pushed other students to work. Since the training was conducted in the Slovak language, Father Alexander had to learn this language. He studied well, although it was not easy for him, completed his studies with good grades and received a diploma from my hands in 2003.

Upon graduation, Father Alexander moved to the Czech Republic. He lived in Prague for a year, preparing to admission to the post-graduate school (doctorate). During this time, he visited Cyrill-and-Methodius Cathedral and the Church of St. George the Victorious under the Embassy of the Russian Federation. At the God’s services he was an active worshipper and altar server, as well as an assistant deacon in various temples of the Prague diocese.

In 2004, Archimandrite Alexander was admitted to two universities: the Hussite College of Karlov University and Cyrill-and-Methodius Theological School of Palatskiy University in Olomouc. There he happened to meet the Archbishop of Olomouc and Brno Simeon (Yakovlevich), who asked Father Alexander to assist him in service, be an assistant deacon and cell-attendant. Having moved to Olomouc, Father Alexander became the key man for the Archbishop Simon. He participated in various conferences and represented the Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia in official delegations.

Several times I asked Father Alexander, why he was not becoming a priest. To which he received the responses that his father had not given him his blessing to be ordained before he turned 30 years old. I saw that Father Alexander did everything upon the blessing of his parents and the Archbishop, listening to their instructions. Having defended his thesis in Prague (large doctorate) and after turning 30, Father Alexander took the rank. In 2011, Bishop Simeon turned 85 years old. On the feastday of the Three Hierarchs at the monastery of the Dormition of the Mother of God in Vilemovo (Czech Republic), during the great celebration in which I also took part, Father Alexander was ordained as a deacon by Archbishop Simeon, and the following day, at the Cathedral of St. Vyacheslav in Brno, he was ordained as a priest. On the same night, he took the monastic vows from his father confessor and the confessor of Khust diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Archimandrite Isaakiy. Father Alexander was led to the taking of monastic vows by Archbishop Simeon and Archimandrite Sergiy (Ivannikov), currently Metropolitan. For his kind and long service within a week he was elevated to the rank of hegumen, and by the holiday of Easter, by my blessing, – to the rank of Archimandrite. Besides, for receiving two doctoral degrees, Archimandrite Alexander received the right to wear his second (doctoral) cross.

During the entire time and service of Father Alexander in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, which is 13 years, I as the Head of the Church observed his work and can tell that he did everything by the blessing and can be relied upon. By Your, Metropolitan Hilarion, invitation Father Alexander arrived in America for the missionary service in Miami. We asked him for a long time not to leave the Czech Republic, but we realized that America is a large country and needs priests, so we allowed Father Alexander to go to the place of his new service. Today we observe his service and success of his missionary work from the websites and the newspapers that arrive in Czech Republic, in particular, we are very glad that he managed to open such a large parish in Miami. I am pleased to know that the Czech Republic gave Archimandrite Alexander such a good school and confident that he will be a good bishop.

Christophor

Honorable Metropolitan of the Czech Lands and Slovakia

______________________________________________________________________________

On May 14, a letter was received from Professor Yan Lashek, where he noted: “In 2004, Father Alexander entered the Hussite Faculty of Karlov University in Prague, and under my guidance started writing his doctoral work. During his studies, Archimandrite Alexander (Belya) proved himself on the positive side. As a responsible person, he never created problems, so he was entrusted with serious issues, in particular, he participated in many conferences, including international ones.”

______________________________________________________________________________

THE HUSSITE THEOLOGICAL FACULTY

KARLOV UNIVERSITY

Your Eminence, dear Metropolitan Hilarion!

Please accept the most sincere and heartwarming congratulations on the bright holiday of Easter! Let the faith in the Resurrection of Christ always fills and inspires our hearts to good actions. I wish you good health, strength and further success in the service of the Church.

I met Archimandrite Alexander (Belya) after his graduation from Pryashev University in Slovakia in 2003. In 2004, Father Alexander entered the Hussite College of Karlov University in Prague, and under my guidance started writing his doctoral work. Among several departments of the Hussite University of Karlov University there is the Department of Orthodox Theology. This allows the Orthodox Czech people to receive theological education. In 2011, he defended the doctoral thesis (large doctorate) with the topic “The Ideologic and Reformative Movements in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the First Half of the 20th Century.” After that Father Alexander also received the small doctorate.

During his studies, Archimandrite Alexander (Belya) proved himself on the positive side. As a responsible person, he never created problems, so he was entrusted with serious issues, in particular, he participated in many conferences, including international ones.

I think that Archimandrite Alexander (Belya) deserves to become a Bishop. I am confident that the education that he received in the Czech Republic will assist the development of the Orthodox Christianity in Miami and Florida.

With sincere respect,

the city of Prague, May 14, 2019

Yan Lashek

Prof. of Theological Faculty

Dean, Research and Foreign Relations Sciences

 stamp:  Karlov University

 The Hussite Theological Faculty

Doctor of Research and Foreign Relations Sciences

Pacovska 350, P.O. Box 56

140 21 Prague 4 – Krc (1)

______________________________________________________________________________

After Archimandrite Alexander corrected all the comments and requirements of the Synod members, and when the positive characteristics from the places of former studies and service in the Czech Republic and Slovakia were received, in accordance with the decision of the Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, his candidacy was to be submitted for approval by the Patriarch and the Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church. Since the opponents of the election of Father Alexander, led by Bishop Nikolay, could not find anything against Archimandrite Alexander, they went the other way – they started a systematic and thoughtful campaign of slander against him. For this purpose, three persons, as it turned out, with a criminal history, appeared at the Monastery of St. Nicholas in Fort Myers – they were Ivan Tsybin, Ivan Babenko and Vyacheslav Zadorozhnyi. They started seeking gossip about Father Alexander in order, with the assistance of their leaders in the Diocesan Council of the Eastern American Diocese, they could cancel his election as a bishop. In June 2019, at the request of Bishop of Manhattan Nikolay, the Secretary of the Diocesan Council, the three above-mentioned persons came to Metropolitan Hilarion (there is a notarized testimony of Ivan Tsybin that it was Bishop Nikolay who had sent the three of them to Florida to collect dirt on Archimandrite Alexander). At this meeting they presented Metropolitan Hilarion their so-called “incriminating evidence” collected against Father Alexander. After studying the complaints filed, Metropolitan Hilarion signed document No. 7-16 / 19 of July 8, 2019 (Doc. K-12), which states: “The complaints on the part of Vyacheslav Zadorozhnyi, Ivan Tsybin and Ivan Babenko do not make any sense, because they are based on personal fictions rather than on facts. Their actions are not of spiritual benefit, but are aimed at sowing discord among the faithful people by organizing a public campaign to discredit the monastery, the Cathedral and the clergy.”

______________________________________________________________________________

HILARION

Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York

First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia

75 E. 93rd Street, New York, NY 10128 USA Tel.: (917) 848-9706, (917) 543-5199,

Fax: (212) 534-1798

July 8, 2019

# 7-16 / 19

BLESSING

Having reviewed the memorandum of the Archpriest of Florida district Archimandrite Alexander (Belya) regarding the complaint against the Stavropegic Monastery of St. Nicholas in Fort Myers, the Cathedral of St. Matrona of Moscow in Miami and the clergy, we consider the following:

1. The complaints on the part of Vyacheslav Zadorozhnyi, Ivan Tsybin and Ivan Babenko do not make any sense, because they are based on personal fictions rather than on facts. Their actions are not of spiritual benefit, but are aimed at sowing discord among the faithful people by organizing a public campaign to discredit the monastery, the Cathedral and the clergy.

2. I hereby give the blessing to Archimandrite Alexander (Belya) to announce his decision for the settling and final solution in the situation that occurred.

3. If Vyacheslav Zadorozhnyi, Ivan Tsybin and Ivan Babenko do not stop their activity directed against the Church, I hereby give my blessing to petition to court for the protection of honor and dignity.

With love to God,

(round stamp)

Hilarion

Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York,

First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia

K-12

______________________________________________________________________________

On July 14, 2019, Archimandrite Alexander received a call from the Moscow Patriarchate and was invited to a meeting with Patriarch Kirill, which took place on July 16. During the conversation, all questions were clarified regarding the comments made by the ROCOR Synod of Bishops. Father Alexander told about himself and his obedience in Florida, and answered all the questions of His Holiness. Patriarch Kirill was pleased with the meeting.

On August 30, 2019, the decision of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church was published on the official website of the Moscow Patriarchate (patriarchia.ru). The Holy Synod approved the decisions of the Synod of Bishops of Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia regarding the election of the Vicars of the Eastern American and Western American dioceses (Journal No. 106):

— Archimandrite Alexander (Belya), the cleric of the Eastern American diocese, Bishop of Miami, Vicar of the Eastern American Diocese;

— Archimandrite Iakov (Corazza), the cleric of the Western American diocese, Bishop of Sonora, Vicar of the Western American Diocese.

On the same day, Metropolitan Hilarion, who was on an archpastoral visit to St. Petersburg in Florida, during the telephone conversation congratulated Archimandrite Alexander on the confirmation of his candidacy as a bishop (this fact also has irrefutable evidence).

On the following day, the text of the decision of the Synod  of the Russian Orthodox Church was published on the official website of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (synod.com). However, there was no information about the election of Archimandrite Alexander (Belya) as the Vicar Bishop. Thus, without posting the information, the people responsible for this and those who blessed it went against the decisions of the Synods of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia and the Russian Orthodox Church.

Later, the real reasons for what happened became clear. On September 3, 2019, some members of the Diocesan Council of the Eastern American Diocese put pressure on Metropolitan Hilarion, resulting in a decree temporarily suspending Archimandrite Alexander from the priesthood and removing him from his positions. The campaign was led by the long-time detractor of Father Alexander, Bishop Nikolay (Olkhovskiy)of Manhattan, the Vicar and Secretary of the Eastern American Diocese, who is also the Deputy Secretary of the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia. In a letter dated September 3, 2019, addressed to Metropolitan Hilarion, he and several members of the Diocesan Council of the Eastern American Diocese demanded in an ultimatum form “to withdraw the candidacy of Archimandrite Alexander (Belya) and not to consider it in the future,” as well as “to prohibit his status as clergy and “remove” him from all positions held. The content and the tone of the conversation between Bishop Nikolay and his cabal with the Metropolitan remains unknown.  After that however, neither Archimandrite Alexander nor any of his congregation were allowed to visit Metropolitan Hilarion. Despite numerous requests and written appeals, they were not given the opportunity to meet and explain themselves to their First Hierarch. Instead, through the Diocesan office, controlled by the Secretary of the Diocese Bishop Nikolay, contradictory letters and decrees started to arrive on behalf of the Metropolitan. They were mutually exclusive of each other and contradicting all the previous letters and decrees of Metropolitan Hilarion. Moreover, on behalf of the Metropolitan, a decree was issued prohibiting the parishioners of Archimandrite Alexander to write letters and appeals to him and those who did not comply with this order were threatened with excommunication. Further events are well known to everyone. They forced the ROCOR parishes in Miami and the cathedral in Brooklyn, as well as a monastery in Fort Myers with clergy and congregation, on the basis of a previously issued notarized leave certificate (Doc. K-5), to pass under the canonical omophorion of the American Archdiocese of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, with the preservation of their self-government, the Julian Calendar, and other features of the Russian Orthodox traditions.

______________________________________________________________________________

HILARION
Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York
First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia
75 E. 93rd Street, New York, NY 10128 USA Tel.: (917) 848-9706, (917) 543-5199,
Fax: (212) 534-1798
October 30, 2017
№ 10-39 / 17

ORDER

By determination, our clerics of the following churches of the Eastern American Diocese; the Church of Saint John the Baptist in Brooklyn (New York City), the Cathedral of St. Matrona of Moscow in Dania Beach (the State of Florida) and the Monastery of St. Nicholas in Fort Myers (the State of Florida), by their consent, in case of necessity, have the right of unrestricted transfer from the jurisdiction of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia to any canonical jurisdiction of the Universal Orthodox Church.

This right is not subject to any change, addition or cancellation, is given for the period of 10 years, and is legally entered at the time of signing.

Hilarion

Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York,

First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia

Sworn to before me

This 30th day of October, 2017

stamp: Arthur Arcadian

Notary Public, State of New York

No. 02AR6188567

Qualified in Kings County

Commission Expires 06/09/2020

(signed)

K-5

______________________________________________________________________________

It became obvious that the elderly Metropolitan Hilarion, suffering from a number of serious ailments, does no longer fully manage the situation in the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia and is under the influence of a group of individuals led by the Secretary of the Diocese, Bishop Nikolay (Olkhovskiy) of Manhattan, who imposes contradictory and mutually exclusive decisions and decrees on the Metropolitan. This group is manipulating the Metropolitan and the Synodal office and is eliminating all the objectionable people who find themselves in their way to uncontrolled power and financial resources. Recently in the Eastern American Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia a number of priests have been removed and morally destroyed.  The same group has seized churches, which were consequently sold. One of these parishes was is in Brighton Beach (Brooklyn), where two houses were sold, one of which was a Church and the other a House of Mercy. A similarly worked-out scenario was planned to be implemented in Miami.

Unfortunately, similar examples of non-canonical lawlessness have already happened in ROCOR history. For instance, the “gray cardinals” of the Synod attempted to crack down, slander and expel a number of priests from the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, such as Saint Bishop John (Maximovich) of San Francisco, Archbishop Leontiy (Filippovich) of Chile, Archbishop Panteleimon (Rudyk) of Montreal, and others. In 1986, the entire Spaso-Preobrazhensky monastery in Boston, headed by Abbot Panteleimon and along with him 25 priests and parishes, were slandered and expelled from ROCOR. On unproven charges, the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia “defrocked” the entire group of priests.  Similarly, in 1988, a companion and friend of Hieromonach Serafim (Rose), Abbot of the Holy Hermann desert in Platinum (California, USA) Abbot Herman (Podmoshensky) was “defrocked,” who, along with the brethren of the monastery and several parishes in the cities of Redding and Woodbourne was also forced to leave the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia. It is regrettable to note that the Synodal “gray cardinals” have resorted to similar methods this time again.

Through manipulations and fraud, the Synodal office has retroactively tried to alter and replace a number of documents. The Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia has not yet known such canonical lawlessness. The grace of the Holy Spirit is present in the Church through the conciliar decisions of the Synod of Bishops. If the Deputy Secretary of the Synod of Bishops Bishop Nikolay of Manhattan and his assistants on the Diocesan Council put their personal mercantile interests and ambitions above the Church and the Truth of God, not disdaining slander, distortion of reality and forgery of documents, then we can say that they are acting against the Holy Spirit.  A sin against the Holy Spirit, according to the Savior Himself, is not forgiven: “… blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come” (Matt. 12:31-32). Let us leave them and their works to the Judgment of God.

***

All the documents presented here have passed handwriting expertise, which confirmed the truth and authenticity of the signatures and seal of Metropolitan Hilarion on all documents, and the authenticity of the documents themselves. Apparently, Bishop Nikolay and his supporters did not know about the existence of the originals of these documents in several copies, which is why they decided on such manipulations and deception, hoping that no one can prove their lies and bad faith without the original documents.  They miscalculated however, as the originals of these documents in several copies are not only available to them. The documents’ authenticity has been confirmed by qualified experts. If necessary, the accuracy of what is said here will be easy to prove in court. By their actions they have defamed the reputation and dignity not so much of Father Alexander, but of themselves, Metropolitan Hilarion and the entire Russian Church Outside of Russia, which they try to hide behind in their personal interests. God be their judge.

Below is the letter from the Bishop of Manhattan Nikolay and several members of the Diocesan Council to Metropolitan Hilarion:


Ivan Tsybin’s penitential letter to Metropolitan Hilarion:

We will add that Ivan Babenko showed his true character while threatening Ivan Tsybin.  He shot from a firearm, wanting to frighten him and as a result he wounded in his leg.  The incident is now under investigation.

Whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open (Mark 4: 22).

RUSSIAN VERSION >>>

Is Metropolitan Hilarion free in his decisions? The “Miami crisis” in the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia обновлено: Март 12, 2020 автором: Alexander