The intersection of music and faith

(CUA) - Acclaimed theologian and musical composer Metropolitan Hilarion Alfeyev of the Russian Orthodox Church spoke at Catholic University on the intersection of faith and music on Feb. 9 in Caldwell Auditorium.

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Metropolitan Hilarion is the archbishop of Volokolamsk and a permanent member of the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Moscow. A noted theologian, church historian and composer, he has published books on dogmatic theology, patristics and church history as well as numerous compositions for choir and orchestra.

He studied violin, piano, and composition at the Moscow Gnessin School and the Moscow State Conservatory. In 1987, after serving in the Soviet military, he entered the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Vilnius, Lithuania. He earned a master's in theology from the Moscow Theological Academy, and a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Oxford in Great Britain.

Theotokos Hodegetria presented to CUA

Metropolitan Hilarion is author of more than 300 publications, including four monographs in English: "St Symeon the New Theologian and Orthodox Tradition" (Oxford University Press, 2000), "The Spiritual World of Isaac the Syrian" (Cistercian Publications, Kalamazoo, MI, 2000), "The Mystery of Faith. An Introduction to the Teaching and Spirituality of the Orthodox Church" (Darton, Longman and Todd, 2002)[6], and "Orthodox Witness Today" (WCC Publications, 2006).

He also is the author of numerous musical compositions. His "St. Matthew Passion" grand oratorio for soloists, choir, and orchestra, received standing ovations at its performances in Moscow, Rome and Melbourne. Equally well received was his "Christmas Oratorio," performed in Washington, Boston and New York in 2007 and later in Moscow.