Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral) (1948–2022): A Journey in Faith

Vladyka Metropolitan Hilarion, born Igor Alexeyevich Kapral on 6 January 1948 in Spirit River, Alberta, Canada, was our beloved hierarch, a senior Bishop of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR). Known for his deep humility, pastoral wisdom, and unwavering dedication to the Church, he served as the First Hierarch of ROCOR from 2008 until his repose in 2022.

Early Life and Education

Metropolitan Hilarion’s parents, Alexei Kapral and Euphrosynia (née Kasyaniuk), hailed from the village of Obenizha in Volhyn, Ukraine. In 1929, during the Polish occupation, they were persecuted and oppressed as the Polish authorities sought to assimilate Western Ukraine into a Polish province. To escape these hardships, the 19-year-old Alexei and his young wife emigrated to Canada. The Canadian government, at that time, provided immigrants with opportunities to acquire large tracts of land in Western Canada. Upon their arrival in Alberta, the Kapral family received 160 acres of untilled land, along with $100 in cash, a hammer, and an axe to help them establish a home.

The Spirit River region, where the family settled, was home to approximately 200 Ukrainians. Despite the challenges of the economic crisis of 1929–1930, the Kapral family persevered. Alexei often travelled long distances to find work, earning as little as 25 cents per day. Despite these hardships, the family grew, with five boys and two girls filling their home. The youngest of the children was Igor, the future Metropolitan Hilarion, born on 6 January 1948. Vladyka often spoke of his childhood, describing it as a happy one. He fondly remembered his mother, who would pickle vegetables in bottles to save them for the harsh Alberta winters.

From an early age, Igor felt a deep and enduring connection to the Church, inspired by the figure of the bishop, who became a heroic example for him. He admired their sacred responsibilities and felt a deep, almost innate calling to serve God, as though this vocation had been woven into the fabric of his being. His love for the faith was nurtured by regular attendance at services in his local Orthodox church in Spirit River, where his love and admiration for the Church’s rich traditions grew ever stronger.

Igor’s upbringing in the countryside instilled in him both discipline and resilience. Each day, he walked over three miles to school, a routine that strengthened his character. After transferring to a school in Blueberry Creek for a period, he returned to Spirit River to complete his education, graduating from high school in 1966. Throughout these years, Igor remained closely connected to Holy Trinity Russian Church near Spirit River, where he experienced first-hand the challenges of parish life, including disputes over the church’s affiliation.

Despite these difficulties, Igor’s spiritual journey was deeply enriched by his exposure to the broader Orthodox community. The parish eventually came under the jurisdiction of Archbishop Panteleimon (Rudika), but Igor found profound spiritual guidance within the Russian Church Abroad. He was particularly influenced by Bishop Sava (Saracevic) of Edmonton, who held a deep reverence for St John (Maximovitch). These formative influences, coupled with Igor’s unwavering dedication, cemented his path of service to the Church.

Igor was an avid reader, immersing himself in religious and moral literature. At 19, he entered Holy Trinity Theological Seminary in Jordanville, New York, in 1967. Upon graduating in 1972, he became a novice at Holy Trinity Monastery. On 2 December 1974, he was tonsured a riassophore monk with the name Hilarion, in honour of Venerable Schema-monk Hilarion of the Kiev Caves. On 4 December 1975, Archbishop Averky (Taushev) ordained him a hierodeacon, and in 1976, Bishop Laurus of Manhattan ordained him a hieromonk. That same year, Fr Hilarion earned a Master’s degree in Slavic studies and Russian literature from Syracuse University. He also worked as editor of the English-language version of Orthodox Life and as a typesetter for the monastery press.

Monastic Life, Ordination and Archbishop of Australia

In 1984, Fr Hilarion was elevated to the rank of hegumen and consecrated as Bishop of Manhattan on 10 December by Metropolitan Philaret (Voznesensky) and nine other bishops. As Bishop of Manhattan, he oversaw parishes in Pennsylvania and served as Deputy Secretary of the Synod of Bishops. Through his archpastoral efforts, the number of parishes in the Eastern American Diocese grew to 64. His dedication and pastoral care earned him widespread respect and love.

In 1996, Bishop Hilarion was appointed Bishop of Sydney, Australia, and New Zealand, following the retirement of Archbishop Paul (Pavlov). He was elevated to the rank of Archbishop in recognition of his exceptional pastoral talents. Under his leadership, he strengthened the spiritual life of the diocese, supported clergy and laity, and fostered unity. In 2003, Vladyka Hilarion was awarded the right to wear the diamond cross. At the Council of Bishops of ROCOR in 2006, he was appointed First Deputy President of the Synod of Bishops.

Later, he became the godfather of Father Adrian Augustus, the rector of the Parish of the Archangel Michael in Sydney. Vladyka embraced everyone with open arms, his heart filled with a genuine desire to share the true faith with all, embodying the role of a spiritual father and mentor to many within the Orthodox community.

First Hierarch of ROCOR

On 16 March 2008, the day of Metropolitan Laurus’ repose, Archbishop Hilarion was appointed Temporary President of the Synod of Bishops and the electoral commission tasked with preparing for the Sobor of Bishops. On 12 May 2008, he was elected First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, and on 18 May, he was enthroned in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign.

On 9 June 2017, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia granted Metropolitan Hilarion the right to wear two panagias within the spiritual territory entrusted to him.

Legacy and Repose

Metropolitan Hilarion reposed in the Lord on 16 May 2022 after a lengthy illness. His passing was mourned by Orthodox Christians worldwide, who remembered him as a humble servant of Christ, a compassionate shepherd, and a devoted leader. His legacy continues to inspire the faithful, including his godson, Father Adrian Augustus, who serves with the same spirit of humility and devotion at the Parish of the Archangel Michael.

Eternal Memory, Vladyka!