Russian Orthodox leaders to choose leader

MOSCOW, Jan. 25 (UPI) -- The Council of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church settled Sunday on three finalists to possibly succeed Patriarch Alexy II, who died last year.

The shortlist, drawn up by church officials at a meeting in Moscow, includes Metropolitans Kirill, Kliment and Filaret, RIA Novosti reported.

Patriarch Alexy II, who led the revival of Orthodoxy in the country after the demise of communism, died of heart failure last month at the age of 79.

Kirill, the Metropolitan of Smolensk and Kaliningrad, was chosen by the Holy Synod to serve as interim patriarch.

A full Church Council, including lay people, will meet Tuesday and Wednesday to elect Alexy II's successor.