10 Facts About Philaret Drozdov

Metropolitan Philaret was Metropolitan of Moscow and Kolomna and the most influential figure in the Russian Orthodox Church for more than 40 years, from 1821 to 1867.

Philaret Drozdov was canonized on 13 October 1994 and his feast day is celebrated on November 19.

Philaret Drozdov was born in Kolomna as Vasily Drozdov.

Philaret Drozdov became preacher of the lavra in 1806, and in 1808, received the monastic tonsure and was named Philaret after Saint Philaret the Merciful.

Philaret Drozdov took monastic vows in 1817, and was consecrated bishop of Reval and then episcopal vicar of St Petersburg.

Philaret Drozdov's daring utterances brought him into imperial disfavor from 1845 until the accession of Alexander II.

Philaret Drozdov is said to have prepared Alexander's proclamation freeing the serfs, and he enjoyed the reputation of being one of the leading pulpit orators of his time and country.

Philaret Drozdov was the spiritual father of missionary hieromonk Macarius, canonized in 2000 for his role as "Apostle to the Altai".

Philaret Drozdov was responsible for some of the worst offences towards the Old Believers, including the misappropriation of churches and the sealing of the altars at the churches of the Rogozhskoye Cemetery, which was the administrative and spiritual center of the Belokrinitskoe Soglasie Old Believers.

Philaret Drozdov was directly involved in the imprisonment of Old Believer hierarchs and monastics.