Oh, very interesting, Cyprian !
I did not know that about Metropolitan HIlarion [Alfeyev]. Where did he get that idea ?!
He said that the Roman Catholic Sacraments are valid, that the Moscow Patriarchate recognizes them, or CAN recognize the Catholc Mysteries. So why would he speak AGAINST what is supposed to be a Latin innovation ?
I see what you mean about the use that avatar to affirm your belief that images of the Father are absolutely correct and canonical. I agree.