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Head of Russian Orthodox Church Dead

Patriarch Alexiy unified denomination, was suspected of KGB ties

By Wesley Oliver, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 5, 2008 12:24 PM CST

(Newser) – The iconic leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, who healed an 80-year rift in the church and restored its prominence in Russian society, died today, the Times of London reports. No official cause of death was given for Patriarch Alexiy, but the Kremlin’s first post-Soviet Orthodox leader had been suffering from cancer, diplomats have said. He was 79.

Elected in 1990, Alexiy II benefited from the unabashed support of Russia’s presidents, especially Vladimir Putin. Many suspect Alexiy, like Putin, had been a KGB agent. The Estonia native helped unify Russia and solidify the church after the fall of Communism, but his relations with the Roman Catholic Church remained cool. Church officials plan to elect a temporary patriarch tomorrow.

[Images (5)]

[Quotes (2)]

A young Orthodox believer lights a candle during a service in memory of Russian Orthodox Patriarch Alexy II who died Friday, at Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

In this June 28, 2008 file photo Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, right, greets Russian Orthodox Patriarch Alexy II at the Kremlin in Moscow. (AP Photo/RIA Novosti, Alexei Nikolsky, pool, file)

Russian Orthodox Patriarch Alexy II seen at a meeting with Arbishop of Paris, Cardinal Andre Vingt-Trois in Moscow, in this Oct. 29, 2008 file photo. (AP Photo/Sergey Ponomarev, FILE)

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, left, speaks with Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Alexy II. (AP Photo/Ivan Sekretarev)

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, left, speaks with the head of Russia's Orthodox church patriarch Alexy II at a reception to mark the National Unity Day. (AP Photo/RIA-Novosti, Vladimir Rodionov, Presidential Press Service)

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Not only was he a prominent figure in the history of the Russian Orthodox Church, but also a great statesman. - Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin

A very grievous event has happened in the life of this country, our society—Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexiy II has died. He was an outstanding religious figure and true spiritual leader. - Statement released by the Kremlin

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Head of Russian Orthodox Church Dead