This file photo of September 12, 2008 shows Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexiy II, left, and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, right, during the ceremony of returning the bells to the St. Daniel Monastery.
Photo: Alexander Miridonov
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Medvedev Put Off Italy’s Visit to Return for Patriarch Alexiy II Funeral
Russia’s President Dmitry Medvedev has put off the planned visit to Italy due to the death of Patriarch Alexiy II of Moscow and All Russia, Vesti TV Channel reported.
Medvedev is in India now, from where he was to head for Italy. But the president will return to Moscow instead.
Head of Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Alexiy II of Moscow and All Russia died this morning in the Moscow Region’s Peredelkino residence at the age of 79.
The Holy Synod of Russian Orthodox Church will gather in Moscow for an emergency meeting December 6 to elect a temporarily Patriarch and to organize the funeral service for Alexiy II. The Church Council will elect a new Patriarch no later than in May of 2009.
www.kommersant.com
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