Alexy II, the Moscow Russian Orthodox patriarch who presided since 1990, died last night. The church has not revealed the immediate cause of his death and may take up several months to induct a new patriarch, according to the Associated Press.
The Russian union of Evangelical Christian-Baptists (RUECB) released a statement with portions of a letter of condolence from their chairman, Yuri Sipko: “During [the ’90s] the voice of the Russian Orthodox Church was the voice of peace and hope. We highly value the courage and endurance, which Patriarch Alexy showed in the period of the formation of a new Russia.”
A key figure in the resurgence of religion in post-Soviet Russia, Alexy II both unified Orthodox groups and discouraged other denominations from evangelizing. The East-West Report lists several examples of him urging legislation to limit non-Orthodox denominations and regulate religious activity in Russia.
In spite of this, he engaged in some discussions with other denominations, including the Baptists.
Despite their tense relationship with the Russian Orthodox Church, the Vatican released a statement saying that, “His personal commitment to improving relations with the Catholic Church, in spite of the difficulties and tensions which from time to time have emerged, has never been in doubt.”
Alexy II also had a complicated relationship with the state, as did many pastors and priests. Most obituaries mention that he has been accused of collaborating with the Soviet authorities, and the BBC calls him a favorite of the KGB. The Orthodox church denies any connection. He is as well known for denouncing a KGB plot against Gorbachev. His relationship with Russia’s current president, Medvedev, showed how close Russia’s leaders and the church and the church have become in the last few years.
