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In mid 1945, after the Communist Chinese and Soviet forces took over Manchuria at the end of World War II, Archim. Philaret remained with the Orthodox believers in Manchuria, but he firmly rejected all attempts to get him to accept a soviet passport. Further, he fearlessly denounced the atheistic communists. His overt position against the soviets placed him in great personal danger. Their hatred of him resulted in an attempt to burn him alive in his [[monasticism|monastic]] [[cell]]. He escaped, but suffered severe burns.
In 1962, the [[Synod]] of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia was able to acquire a an exit visa for Archim. Philaret that allowed him to reach Hong Kong. From there Archim. Philaret quickly traveled to Brisbane, Australia where many of his former flock in from Manchuria had settled. After his arrival in Brisbane, his followers petition petitioned the Synod of ROCOR to appoint him their [[bishop]].
On May 24, 1963 The profession of faith by Archim. Philaret was received in the Archbishop's Chapel by Abp [[Sava (Rayevsky) of Sydney|Sava of Sydney]], Bp [[Anthony (Medvedev) of San Francisco|Anthony of Melbourne]] and Bp [[Dionysios (Psiahas) of Proussa|Dionysios of Nazianzos]] ([[Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia|GOA]]).
In 1964, Bp. Philaret represented Abp. Sava at a meeting of the Council of Bishops of ROCOR in which the first hierarch Metr. Anastassy announced his resignation. As the youngest bishop among those at the council, the Council elected Bp. Philaret the successor to Metr. Anastassy. Metr. Philaret was [[enthronement|enthroned]] first hierarch of ROCOR on [[May 14]], 1964.
Metr. Philaret served as the first hierarch of ROCOR for twenty one years. He reposed on November 21, 1985 and was buried in the cemetery of the Church of Dormition. In November 1998, the Synod decided to transfer Metr. Philaret's [[relics]] to to a new vault under the [[altar]] of Holy Trinity Cathedral at Jordanville, New York. When his tomb was opened, his relics were found to be [[Incorruptibility|incorrupt]].
== Canonizations ==