Vsevolod Chaplin Archpriest Date of Birth: 31.03.1968 Country: Russia

1. Early Life and Formation
2. Ecclesiastical Career
3. Leadership in the Russian Orthodox Church
4. Public Presence and Controversies
5. Political Involvement
6. Intellectual and Cultural Activities
7. Beliefs and Awards

Early Life and Formation

Vsevolod Anatolyevich Chaplin was born on March 31, 1968, in Moscow. Raised in a non-religious household, he converted to Christianity at the age of thirteen. He attended the Moscow Theological Seminary and graduated in 1990.

Ecclesiastical Career

In 1991, Chaplin received ordination as a deacon and became a priest a year later, ordained by then-Archbishop Kirill. He initially served as head of the Department of Public Relations within the Department of External Church Relations (DECR) of the Moscow Patriarchate. In 1997, he became head of the DECR's Secretariat for Church and Society Relations.

Leadership in the Russian Orthodox Church

In 2001, Chaplin was appointed deputy chairman of the DECR under Metropolitan Kirill. He oversaw several secretariats and sectors, and his efforts focused on administrative tasks and relations with the Vatican and state authorities. In 2009, following the election of Kirill as Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, Chaplin was elevated to the newly created position of Chairman of the Synodal Department for Church and Society Relations.

Public Presence and Controversies

Chaplin has gained public attention through his outspoken statements in defense of the Church's position on various issues. He has advocated for the introduction of the subject "Fundamentals of Orthodox Culture" in schools and opposed the display of controversial religious art. He sparked controversy with remarks on women's dress linking it to sexual violence, and on the importance of expensive vestments and luxury cars for clergy, attracting criticism for materialism and opulence.

Political Involvement

Chaplin has proposed the creation of a Christian political party or groups within existing parties. He has also served on the Presidential Council for Interaction with Religious Organizations and the Public Chamber of Russia.

Intellectual and Cultural Activities

Chaplin is a member of the Union of Writers of Russia and the Academy of Russian Literature. He maintains a diary, from which he periodically publishes excerpts. He also works as a television and radio host and is a lecturer at the Orthodox Saint Tikhon Humanitarian University.

Beliefs and Awards

Chaplin holds conservative views, including questioning the theory of evolution, opposing euthanasia and abortion, and rejecting same-sex marriage. He has been recognized for his service with ecclesiastical and secular awards, including the Order of St. Blessed Prince Daniel of Moscow and the Order of Friendship.