March 28, 2024
Analysis

Why Moscow sent a top Orthodox Church official to Pyongyang

Metropolitan Hilarion Alfeyev's DPRK visit last week was more about politics than faith

Long consigned to the dustbin of history are the days when Pyongyang was known as the "Jerusalem of Asia." The DPRK's official disposition toward Christianity, however, has not prevented senior religious figures from engaging with the North Korean government.

Last week a high ranking official of the Russian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan bishop of Volokolamsk Hilarion Alfeyev paid a visit to Pyongyang. Metropolitan Hilarion, in addition to his clerical function, is in charge of the Russian Orthodox Church's international relations.

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