Russian Orthodox Patriarch Alexy II dies (46 images)

A funeral service for late Russian Orthodox Patriarch Alexy II is seen in the Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow on December 9, 2008. Patriarch Alexy II, who led the Russian Orthodox church since 1990 during a post-Soviet revival of faith, died at the age of 79. (UPI Photo/Anatoli Zhdanov)

Russian Orthodox Patriarch Alexiy II, shown talking to reporters during the presidential election in Moscow on March 2, 2008 died at the age of 79 on December 5, 2008. Patriarch Alexy II led the Russian Orthodox church since 1990 during a post-Soviet revival of faith. (UPI Photo/Yuri Gripas)

Metropolitans Kirill (R) and Kliment chat during a funeral service for late Russian Orthodox Patriarch Alexy II in the Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow on December 9, 2008. Patriarch Alexy II, who led the Russian Orthodox church since 1990 during a post-Soviet revival of faith, died at the age of 79. (UPI Photo/Anatoli Zhdanov)

Orthodox believers mourn at the casket of late Patriarch Alexy II in Moscow on December 6, 2008. Patriarch Alexy II, who led the Russian Orthodox church since 1990 during a post-Soviet revival of faith, died at the age of 79 on December 5. (UPI Photo/Anatoli Zhdanov)