Alexander Dvorkin

Who is Alexander Dvorkin?

Alexander Leonidovich Dvorkin is a Russian-American anti-cult activist, former clergyman of the Russian Orthodox Church, president of the Saint Ireneus of Lyons Informational Consultative Center, an anti-cult organisation affiliated to the Russian Orthodox Church and since 2009 Vice-President of European Federation of Centres of Research and Information on Sectarianism, umbrella organization for anti-cult groups in Europe. Dvorkin graduated Doctor of Philosophy in 1983 at the Saint Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary in Crestwood, New York. He has appeared on Russian television.

In 1993 with blessing of Patriarch Alexy II he established Russian anti-cult organization currently called Association of Centres for the Study of Religions and Sects. From that time on he is extremely active in opposing non-Orthodox religions and movements through his publications.

Dvorkin is a critic of Scientology, which he regards as a dangerous cult. Church of Scientology-affiliated organizations describe him as an "anti-religious extremist," and compile negative information about him on their websites.