Patriarch Alexius II facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Alexy II |
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| Patriarch of Moscow and all Rus | |
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| Church | Russian Orthodox Church |
| See | Moscow |
| Enthroned | 10 June 1990 |
| Reign ended | 5 December 2008 |
| Predecessor | Pimen I |
| Successor | Kirill I |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 17 April 1950 |
| Consecration | 3 September 1961 by Nikodim of Leningrad |
| Personal details | |
| Birth name | Alexey Mikhailovich Ridiger |
| Born | 23 February 1929 Tallinn, Estonia |
| Died | 5 December 2008 (aged 79) Peredelkino, Russia |
| Buried | Epiphany Cathedral at Elokhovo |
| Spouse | Vera Alekseeva (1950–1951) |
Patriarch Alexy II (born Alexey Mikhailovich Ridiger) was a very important leader of the Russian Orthodox Church. He was the 15th Patriarch of Moscow and all Rus, which means he was the main spiritual leader for many Orthodox Christians in Russia and other countries. He served in this important role from June 10, 1990, until he passed away on December 5, 2008.
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Who Was Patriarch Alexy II?
Alexy II was born in Tallinn, Estonia, on February 23, 1929. His full name was Alexey Mikhailovich Ridiger. His family was very religious and had a long history of serving the church. His father was a priest, and his mother also came from a family of priests. This strong religious background helped shape his life from a very young age.
Early Life and Education
From a young age, Alexey was involved in church life. He served as an altar boy and helped in church services. He studied at the Leningrad Theological Academy, a special school for people who want to become priests. He graduated in 1953.
Becoming a Church Leader
After finishing his studies, Alexey became a priest in 1950. He quickly rose through the ranks of the church. In 1961, he became a bishop, which is a high-ranking church official. He served in different important positions, including being the Metropolitan of Tallinn and Estonia. A Metropolitan is a senior bishop who oversees a large area.
Leading the Russian Orthodox Church
In 1990, after the passing of Patriarch Pimen I, Alexey was chosen to be the new Patriarch of Moscow and all Rus'. This was a very important time for Russia, as the country was going through big changes. As Patriarch, Alexy II worked hard to help the church grow and become stronger after many years of challenges. He helped to reopen many churches and monasteries that had been closed. He also worked to bring religious education back into society.
Important Moments
During his time as Patriarch, Alexy II met with many world leaders and religious figures. He played a key role in bringing together different parts of the Russian Orthodox Church that had been separated for a long time. For example, he worked to reunite the Russian Orthodox Church inside Russia with the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia in 2007. This was a historic event that healed a long-standing division. He also often met with political leaders, like Vladimir Putin, to discuss important issues for the country and the church.
His Legacy
Patriarch Alexy II is remembered for his dedication to the Russian Orthodox Church and his efforts to revive faith in Russia. He helped the church regain its important place in society and worked to strengthen its connections with Orthodox Christians around the world. He passed away on December 5, 2008, and his funeral was held at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow.
Images for kids
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Alexy, in the Kremlin Cathedral of the Annunciation, presents Vladimir Putin with an icon of Saint Alexander Nevsky at the latter's presidential inauguration on 7 May 2000.
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Modern fresco of the Donskoi Monastery, representing Alexy II bringing the relics of Patriarch Tikhon into the monastery.
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Alexy II speaking to orthodox believers in Pereslavl (1997)
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Patriarch Alexy II (right) with Metropolitan Laurus (Škurla), Hierarch of the ROCOR (left) at the Peredelkino residence.
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Danilov Monastery, the residence of the Patriarch and the Holy Synod
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Funeral of Alexy II at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour on 9 December 2008.
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Mourners at the funeral of Alexy II including Serzh Sargsyan, Vladimir Putin, Dmitry Medvedev and Vladimir Voronin.
See also
In Spanish: Alejo II para niños
