Orthodox celebrate requiem for patriarch

MOSCOW, Dec. 13 (UPI) -- Solemn requiem services were held for Russian Orthodox Patriarch Alexy II in churches across the nation Saturday, the ninth day after his death.

The main service, led by members of the Holy Synod, was held at Moscow's Epiphany Cathedral, which was filled not only with members of the church but political dignitaries and representatives of other denominations around the world.

"There will be no restrictions on the access to the service for Muscovites," church warden Nikolai Krapchuk said. "Religious services for the patriarch will be held during 40 days of his death."

As many as 90,000 church members got a chance to pay their last respects to Alexy II, who was both enthroned and buried Epiphany Cathedral.

The Holy Synod has urged Orthodox believers to "keep the memory of His Holiness, late Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia."

"May the primate, who gave all of himself to the service to God and people for the revival of the church and spiritual enlightenment of our contemporaries, serve as an example for the present and future generations of Orthodox Christians in Russia," the Synod said.

Alexy II died Dec. 5 in Moscow's southwest suburb of Peredelkino, at the age of 79.