Faithful pastor and prudent churchman, distinguished theologian and creative educator, through swiftly changing times His Eminence Metropolitan Philaret of Minsk and Slutsk has exemplified in his ministry what he has taught us by his words: that “the time of the Church, the time of its prophetic service, is historical time,” that Christians must not indulge in vain escapism if they are truly to bear witness to God’s Kingdom and to the power of His enduring love for this fallen world.
During times of oppression in what was then the Soviet Union, His Eminence worked quietly to expand the Church’s scope for activity. Now, in an increasingly pluralistic society, His Eminence has led efforts to express the foundations of the Church’s attitude towards other Christian churches and communities in ways that are balanced, comprehensive and engaging. Always alert to the “signs of the times,” he continues to labor faithfully in the prophetic service of the Church by providing critically needed “space” for theological reflection, discussion and debate.
With admiration, therefore, and with deep respect, St Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary is honored to bestow upon him the degree of Doctor of Divinity, honoris causa.
Introduction to Metropolitan Philaret