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Russia

Russian Orthodox bishop released after 'drug possession' arrest

The former ‘foreign minister’ of the Russian Church was arrested over a white powder found in his possession.

Luke Coppen
May 26, 2026
∙ Paid

A formerly high-ranking Russian Orthodox bishop was released without charge Tuesday, two days after he was arrested by Czech police on suspicion of drug possession.

Metropolitan Hilarion, pictured in 2016. Credit: wikimedia/Kremlin.ru CC BY 4.0.

Czech authorities released Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev) and an unnamed driver and camera operator May 26, as…

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