Remembering Russian Patriarch Alexy II

The death yesterday of Russian Orthodox Patriarch Alexy II (right) has led to a lot of reflection on the amount of progress that has been made, and the distance that still remains, between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church.

The Religion News Service story, by Nicole Neroulias, highlights the ongoing tensions between Russian Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism:

"Pope John Paul II, a fierce opponent of communism...had longed to visit Russia in a bid to heal the split between East and West that erupted more than 950 years ago. Alexy, however, repeatedly denied those requests. Over the past two decades, Alexy and other Russian leaders frowned upon Catholic proselytizing in what they consider their exclusive territory. The Catholic church has repeatedly denied any intention of converting Orthodox believers in Russia. Despite the lack of progress toward a papal visit to Russia, in recent years both sides have made significant gestures toward reconciliation. Last June, Bartholomew, considered first among equals among Orthodox leaders, prayed with Benedict in Rome and attended a Mass at St. Peter's Basilica."

Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley commented on his blog:

"Just today we learned the sad news of the passing of His Holiness Alexy II, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia. We offer our condolences and the assurance of our prayers to the people of the Russian Orthodox Church. Patriarch Alexy presided during a time of great challenge as the repression of religious freedom in Russia and the former Soviet republics gave way to a renewal of spiritual life and practice. As we commend the Patriarch’s soul to God’s eternal mercy, we give thanks for all his works undertaken in the name of the Lord and we pray for the day of the fulfillment of Jesus’ prayer that all who believe in Him may be one."

Pope Benedict XVI yesterday sent a telegram of condolence to the Russian Orthodox Church:

"I was profoundly saddened to receive news of the death of His Holiness Alexis II, Patriarch of Moscow and of All the Russias, and with fraternal affection I wish to convey to the Holy Synod and to all the members of the Russian Orthodox Church my most sincere condolences, assuring you of my spiritual closeness at this very sad time. In my prayer I beseech the Lord to welcome into His Kingdom of eternal peace and joy this tireless servant, and to grant consolation and comfort to all those who mourn his passing, Mindful of the common commitment to the path of mutual understanding and co-operation between Orthodox and Catholics, I am pleased to recall the efforts of the late Patriarch for the rebirth of the Church, after the severe ideological oppression which led to the martyrdom of so many witnesses to the Christian faith. I also recall his courageous battle for the defence of human and gospel values, especially in the European continent, and I trust his commitment will bear fruit in peace and genuine progress, human, social and spiritual. At this sad time of loss, as his mortal remains are consigned to the earth in the sure hope of the resurrection, may the memory of this servant of Gospel of Christ be a support for those who are now in sorrow and an encouragement for those who will benefit from his spiritual legacy as leader of the venerable Russian Orthodox Church."

And Cardinal Walter Kasper, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, said Alexy "was called to guide the Russian Orthodox Church in a period of great change. ... His leadership has enabled that Church to face the challenges of transition from the Soviet era to the present with renewed interior vitality.'' Kasper said Alexy's "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.''

The relationship with Rome was a theme of many blog comments. At Whispers in the Loggia, Rocco Palmo called Alexy, "A hard-liner who rose through the hierarchical ranks at a young age and initially saw Catholicism's first steps on Russian soil as an act of aggression, the rapport between the Moscow patriarchate and the Holy See -- a priority of the reigning pontiff -- has markedly improved over recent years, even to the point that a meeting between Alexei and Benedict XVI had appeared increasingly likely over the last several months."

(Photo, by Sergey Ponomarev/AP, shows Patriarch Alexy II in Moscow Oct. 28.)