Russian Orthodox near choice of new Patriarch: reform candidate faces resistance

January 26, 2009

Metropolitan Kirill of Smolensk, the acting leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, heads a list of three candidates to replace the late Patriarch Aleksei as leader of the world's largest Orthodox body. The three finalists were chosen by the Synod of Bishops; a local council of Moscow clerics will make the final selection this week.

Metropolitan Kirill, who has been the top ecumenical officer for the Moscow patriarchate, is regarded as a 'reform' candidate. His willingness to engage in dialogue with the Vatican has dismayed some Orthodox conservatives, who have pressed Kirill to retract a statement that the Catholic Church is a part of the true Church; the traditionalist arm of the Russian Church insists that only the Orthodox Church is the true faith.

Metropolitan Kliment of Kaluga is regarded as the traditionalists' favorite among the three finalists. The third candidate is Metropolitan Filaret of Minsk, Belarus.

 

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Further information:

• Modernizer leads contest to head Russian church (Reuters)
• Three go through to final vote for Russian Patriarch (EuroNews)