Views of New Russian Patriarch Explored

Media articles are beginning to report on the views of the newly-elected Russian Orthodox Church's Patriarch Kirill who will be formally installed Sunday. (See prior posting.) Voice of America points out that Kirill was formerly head of the Church's foreign relations department. Over the years he has defended the Church's relations with government, saying that the Church is separate from the state apparatus. However traditionally the Russian Foreign Ministry represents the interests of the Church abroad. US News & World Report says:

In Russia, Kirill is seen as a politically savvy figure who may seek a more muscular role for the church, which has served the state for much of its 1,000-year history.... Kirill will face opposition from a strong conservative movement within the church that sees him as too modern and too eager for a rapprochement with Catholics.