Metropolitan Kirill of Stavropol and Nevinnomyssk attends a ceremony to mark the 77th anniversary of the liberation of the city from Nazi troops, in Stavropol, Russia January 21, 2020. REUTERS/Eduard Korniyenko 

A general view the city of Berlin is seen from Drachenberg hill, July 15, 2013. Pictured are the radio tower (Funkturm) (R) and the TV tower (Fernsehturm). REUTERS/Kirill Iordansky (GERMANY - Tags: CITYSCAPE) 

Metropolitan Kirill (C), deputy chairman of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, blesses during a Christmas Eve mass in Alexander Nevski Cathedral in Sofia, December 25, 2012. Bulgaria, unlike some other Orthodox countries, celebrates Christmas on December 25. REUTERS/Dobrin Kashavelov (BULGARIA - Tags: RELIGION) 

Kirill (C), the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, speaks with Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Metropolitan Theophilos (R) during a welcoming ceremony inside the Church of Holy Sepulchre during his visit to Jerusalem's Old City November 9, 2012. REUTERS/Amir Cohen (JERUSALEM - Tags: RELIGION) 

Russia's Prime Minister Vladimir Putin (2nd R) sits with Supreme Mufti of Russia Talgat Tadzhuddin (R), Metropolitan Juvenaly of Krutitsy and Kolomna (L) and Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill during his meeting with religious leaders at the Danilov Monastery in Moscow February 8, 2012. REUTERS/Grigory Dukor (RUSSIA - Tags: RELIGION POLITICS) 

Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill (2nd R front), Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II of Georgia (3d R front) and Metropolitan of Kiev and all Ukraine Vladimir (R front) take part in a festive service at Vladimirskaya Gorka (Vladimir Hill) in Kiev July 27, 2011. The service was dedicated to the celebrations for the christening of the country, which was known as Kyivan Rus' at the time, by its grand prince Vladimir I in 988AD. REUTERS/Vladimir Sindeyev (UKRAINE - Tags: RELIGION POLITICS) 

Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill (C front), Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II of Georgia (L front) and Metropolitan of Kiev and all Ukraine Vladimir (R front) take part in a festive service at Vladimirskaya Gorka (Vladimir Hill) in Kiev July 27, 2011. The service was dedicated to the celebrations for the christening of the country, which was known as Kyivan Rus' at the time, by its grand prince Vladimir I in 988AD. REUTERS/Vladimir Sindeyev (UKRAINE - Tags: RELIGION POLITICS) 

Acting Patriarch Kirill, Metropolitan of Smolensk and Kaliningrad, leads a service after being elected as the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church in Moscow's Christ the Saviour Cathedral, January 27, 2009. The Russian Orthodox Church elected moderniser Metropolitan Kirill, 62, as its new leader on Tuesday, succeeding Alexiy II, who died last month. REUTERS/Pool (RUSSIA) 

Acting Patriarch Kirill (R), Metropolitan of Smolensk and Kaliningrad, and participants of the Russian Orthodox Church Local Council speak in Moscow's Christ the Saviour Cathedral, January 27, 2009. The Russian Orthodox Church elected moderniser Metropolitan Kirill, 62, as its new leader on Tuesday, succeeding Alexiy II, who died last month. REUTERS/Alexander Natruskin/Pool (RUSSIA) 

Acting Patriarch Kirill, Metropolitan of Smolensk and Kaliningrad, drops his ballot during elections for the new leader of the Russian Orthodox Church as he is photographed in Moscow's Christ the Saviour Cathedral, January 27, 2009. The Russian Orthodox Church elected moderniser Metropolitan Kirill, 62, as its new leader on Tuesday, succeeding Alexiy II, who died last month. REUTERS/Alexander Natruskin/Pool (RUSSIA) 

Supporters of acting Patriarch Kirill, Metropolitan of Smolensk and Kaliningrad, stand with his portraits during the Local Council outside Moscow's Christ the Saviour Cathedral, January 27, 2009. The Russian Orthodox Church elected moderniser Metropolitan Kirill, 62, as its new leader on Tuesday, succeeding Alexiy II, who died last month. REUTERS/Alexander Natruskin (RUSSIA) 

Acting Patriarch Kirill (C), Metropolitan of Smolensk and Kaliningrad, leads a service after being elected as the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church in Moscow's Christ the Saviour Cathedral, January 27, 2009. The Russian Orthodox Church elected moderniser Metropolitan Kirill, 62, as its new leader on Tuesday, succeeding Alexiy II, who died last month. REUTERS/Alexander Natruskin (RUSSIA) 

Acting Patriarch Kirill (C), Metropolitan of Smolensk and Kaliningrad, is helped to be dressed for the service after he was elected as the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church in Moscow's Christ the Saviour Cathedral, January 27, 2009. The Russian Orthodox Church elected moderniser Metropolitan Kirill, 62, as its new leader on Tuesday, succeeding Alexiy II, who died last month. REUTERS/Alexander Natruskin (RUSSIA) 

Acting Patriarch Kirill, Metropolitan of Smolensk and Kaliningrad, sits before the announcement that he is elected as the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church in Moscow's Christ the Saviour Cathedral, January 27, 2009. The Russian Orthodox Church elected moderniser Metropolitan Kirill, 62, as its new leader on Tuesday, succeeding Alexiy II, who died last month. REUTERS/Alexander Natruskin (RUSSIA) 

Acting Patriarch Kirill, Metropolitan of Smolensk and Kaliningrad, pours water before the announcement that he is elected as the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church in Moscow's Christ the Saviour Cathedral, January 27, 2009. The Russian Orthodox Church elected moderniser Metropolitan Kirill, 62, as its new leader on Tuesday, succeeding Alexiy II, who died last month. REUTERS/Alexander Natruskin (RUSSIA) 

Acting Patriarch Kirill (C), Metropolitan of Smolensk and Kaliningrad, receives congratulations after being elected as the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church in Moscow's Christ the Saviour Cathedral, January 27, 2009. The Russian Orthodox Church elected moderniser Metropolitan Kirill, 62, as its new leader on Tuesday, succeeding Alexiy II, who died last month. REUTERS/Alexander Natruskin (RUSSIA) 

Acting Patriarch Kirill (R), Metropolitan of Smolensk and Kaliningrad, receives congratulations after being elected as the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church in Moscow's Christ the Saviour Cathedral, January 27, 2009. The Russian Orthodox Church elected moderniser Metropolitan Kirill, 62, as its new leader on Tuesday, succeeding Alexiy II, who died last month. REUTERS/Alexander Natruskin (RUSSIA) 

Acting Patriarch Kirill, Metropolitan of Smolensk and Kaliningrad, leads a service after being elected as the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church in Moscow's Christ the Saviour Cathedral, January 27, 2009. The Russian Orthodox Church elected moderniser Metropolitan Kirill, 62, as its new leader on Tuesday, succeeding Alexiy II, who died last month. REUTERS/Alexander Natruskin (RUSSIA) 

Acting Patriarch Kirill, Metropolitan of Smolensk and Kaliningrad, leads a service after being elected as the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church in Moscow's Christ the Saviour Cathedral, January 27, 2009. The Russian Orthodox Church elected moderniser Metropolitan Kirill, 62, as its new leader on Tuesday, succeeding Alexiy II, who died last month. REUTERS/Alexander Natruskin (RUSSIA) 

Acting Patriarch Kirill, Metropolitan of Smolensk and Kaliningrad, leads a service after being elected as the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church in Moscow's Christ the Saviour Cathedral, January 27, 2009. The Russian Orthodox Church elected moderniser Metropolitan Kirill, 62, as its new leader on Tuesday, succeeding Alexiy II, who died last month. REUTERS/Alexander Natruskin (RUSSIA) 

Acting Patriarch Kirill, Metropolitan of Smolensk and Kaliningrad, leads a service in Moscow's Christ the Saviour Cathedral prior to the Local Council meeting, January 27, 2009. Moderniser and acting church head Metropolitan Kirill has led the contest of three shortlisted candidates to succeed Patriarch Alexiy II, who oversaw the Church's dramatic post-Soviet revival before his death last month. REUTERS/Alexander Natruskin (RUSSIA) 

Acting Patriarch Kirill, Metropolitan of Smolensk and Kaliningrad, leads a service in Moscow's Christ the Saviour Cathedral prior to the Local Council meeting, January 27, 2009. Moderniser and acting church head Metropolitan Kirill has led the contest of three shortlisted candidates to succeed Patriarch Alexiy II, who oversaw the Church's dramatic post-Soviet revival before his death last month. REUTERS/Alexander Natruskin (RUSSIA) 

Acting Patriarch Kirill, Metropolitan of Smolensk and Kaliningrad, leads a service in Moscow's Christ the Saviour Cathedral prior to the Local Council meeting, January 27, 2009. Moderniser and acting church head Metropolitan Kirill has led the contest of three shortlisted candidates to succeed Patriarch Alexiy II, who oversaw the Church's dramatic post-Soviet revival before his death last month. REUTERS/Alexander Natruskin (RUSSIA) 

A combination of photographs shows the three candidates for the election to succeed Alexiy II as patriarch, announced during the Council of Bishops in the Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Moscow January 25, 2009. The Russian Orthodox Church prayed for divine guidance on Sunday at the start of a process to choose a new leader likely to pit conservatives against those who want to open up the church to the rest of the world. Pictured are (L-R): Metropolitan Kliment, Metropolitan Kirill and Metropolitan Filaret. REUTERS/Alexander Natruskin (RUSSIA) 

Metropolitan Kirill (C), a likely candidate to succeed Alexiy II as patriarch, speaks at the Council of Bishops in the Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Moscow January 25, 2009. The Russian Orthodox Church prayed for divine guidance on Sunday at the start of a process to choose a new leader likely to pit conservatives against those who want to open up the church to the rest of the world. REUTERS/Alexander Natruskin (RUSSIA) 

Metropolitan Kirill speaks at the Council of Bishops in the Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Moscow January 25, 2009. The Russian Orthodox Church prayed for divine guidance on Sunday in choosing a new leader, a process likely to pit conservatives against those who want to open up the church to the rest of the world. REUTERS/Alexander Natruskin (RUSSIA) 

Metropolitan Kirill leads the Orthodox Christmas service in Moscow's Christ The Saviour Cathedral, early on January 7, 2009. Russia celebrates Christmas on January 7 according to the Julian calendar that is used by the country's Orthodox church. REUTERS/Pool (RUSSIA) 

Metropolitan Kirill leads an Orthodox Christmas Mass at the Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Moscow January 6, 2009. Russia celebrates Christmas on January 7 according to the Julian calendar that is used by the country's Orthodox church. REUTERS/Alexander Natruskin (RUSSIA) 

Metropolitan Kirill attends the funeral service for Russian Orthodox Patriarch Alexiy II in the Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Moscow December 9, 2008. Metropolitan Kirill, the interim leader of the Russian Orthodox Church was led away briefly from the funeral ceremony for late Patriarch Alexiy II on Tuesday after apparently feeling unwell, a Reuters photographer said. REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin (RUSSIA) 

Metropolitan Kirill (R) and other clergymen lead a funeral service for Russian Orthodox Patriarch Alexiy II in the Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Moscow December 9, 2008. Metropolitan Kirill, the interim leader of the Russian Orthodox Church was led away briefly from the funeral ceremony for late Patriarch Alexiy II on Tuesday after apparently feeling unwell, a Reuters photographer said. REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin (RUSSIA) 

Metropolitan Kirill attends a mourning service for Patriarch Alexiy in Moscow's Christ the Savior Cathedral, December 6, 2008. The Russian Orthodox Church chose Metropolitan Kirill as an interim leader on Saturday after the death of Patriarch Alexiy II, a move that could open the way for more cooperation with Catholics. REUTERS/Pool (RUSSIA) 

The coffin of Patriarch Alexiy lies in state in Moscow's Christ the Savior Cathedral, December 6, 2008. The Russian Orthodox Church chose Metropolitan Kirill as an interim leader on Saturday after the death of Patriarch Alexiy II, a move that could open the way for more cooperation with Catholics. REUTERS/Pool (RUSSIA) 

Clerics lead a mourning service for Patriarch Alexiy in Moscow's Christ the Savior Cathedral, December 6, 2008. The Russian Orthodox Church chose Metropolitan Kirill as an interim leader on Saturday after the death of Patriarch Alexiy II, a move that could open the way for more cooperation with Catholics. REUTERS/Pool (RUSSIA) 

Clerics of Russia's Orthodox Church carry the casket of Patriarch Alexiy into Moscow's Christ the Savior Cathedral, December 6, 2008. The Russian Orthodox Church chose Metropolitan Kirill as an interim leader on Saturday after the death of Patriarch Alexiy II, a move that could open the way for more cooperation with Catholics. REUTERS/Pool (RUSSIA) 

Leading clerics of Russia's Orthodox Church hold a mourning service for Patriarch Alexiy as he is laying in state in his residence in Peredelkino outside Moscow, December 6, 2008. The Russian Orthodox Church chose Metropolitan Kirill as an interim leader on Saturday after the death of Patriarch Alexiy II, a move that could open the way for more cooperation with Catholics. REUTERS/Pool (RUSSIA) 

Leading clerics of Russia's Orthodox Church hold a conference at the residence of late Patriarch Alexiy II in Peredelkino outside Moscow, December 6, 2008. The Russian Orthodox Church chose Metropolitan Kirill as an interim leader on Saturday after the death of Patriarch Alexiy II, a move that could open the way for more cooperation with Catholics. REUTERS/Pool (RUSSIA) 

Clergymen carry the coffin of Patriarch Alexiy II as he is laying in state in the Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Moscow December 6, 2008. The Russian Orthodox Church chose Metropolitan Kirill as an interim leader on Saturday after the death of Patriarch Alexiy II, a move that could open the way for more cooperation with Catholics. REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin (RUSSIA) 

A man mourns during a ceremony for Patriarch Alexiy II as he is laying in state in the Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Moscow December 6, 2008. The Russian Orthodox Church chose Metropolitan Kirill as an interim leader on Saturday after the death of Patriarch Alexiy II, a move that could open the way for more cooperation with Catholics. REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin (RUSSIA) 

People line up outside Moscow's Christ the Saviour Cathedral to pay their last respects to Patriarch Alexiy II, December 6, 2008. The Russian Orthodox Church chose Metropolitan Kirill as an interim leader on Saturday after the death of Patriarch Alexiy II, a move that could open the way for more cooperation with Catholics. REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin (RUSSIA) 

The coffin of Patriarch Alexiy II lies in state during a mourning ceremony in the Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Moscow December 6, 2008. The Russian Orthodox Church chose Metropolitan Kirill as an interim leader on Saturday after the death of Patriarch Alexiy II, a move that could open the way for more cooperation with Catholics. REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin (RUSSIA) 

Nuns mourn during a ceremony for Patriarch Alexiy II as he is laying in state in the Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Moscow December 6, 2008. The Russian Orthodox Church chose Metropolitan Kirill as an interim leader on Saturday after the death of Patriarch Alexiy II, a move that could open the way for more cooperation with Catholics. REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin (RUSSIA) 

A nun mourns during a ceremony for Patriarch Alexiy II as he is laying in state in the Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Moscow December 6, 2008. The Russian Orthodox Church chose Metropolitan Kirill as an interim leader on Saturday after the death of Patriarch Alexiy II, a move that could open the way for more cooperation with Catholics. REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin (RUSSIA) 

A clergyman kisses the body of Patriarch Alexiy II as he is laying in state in the Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Moscow December 6, 2008. The Russian Orthodox Church chose Metropolitan Kirill as an interim leader on Saturday after the death of Patriarch Alexiy II, a move that could open the way for more cooperation with Catholics. REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin (RUSSIA) 

People attend a mourning ceremony for Patriarch Alexiy II as he is laying in state in the Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Moscow December 6, 2008. The Russian Orthodox Church chose Metropolitan Kirill as an interim leader on Saturday after the death of Patriarch Alexiy II, a move that could open the way for more cooperation with Catholics. REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin (RUSSIA) 

People attend a mourning ceremony for Patriarch Alexiy II as he is laying in state in the Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Moscow December 6, 2008. The Russian Orthodox Church chose Metropolitan Kirill as an interim leader on Saturday after the death of Patriarch Alexiy II, a move that could open the way for more cooperation with Catholics. REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin (RUSSIA) 

People line up outside Moscow's Christ the Saviour Cathedral to pay their last respects to Patriarch Alexiy II, December 6, 2008. The Russian Orthodox Church chose Metropolitan Kirill as an interim leader on Saturday after the death of Patriarch Alexiy II, a move that could open the way for more cooperation with Catholics. REUTERS/Thomas Peter (RUSSIA) 

The coffin of Patriarch Alexiy II lies in state during a mouring ceremony in the Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Moscow December 6, 2008. The Russian Orthodox Church chose Metropolitan Kirill as an interim leader on Saturday after the death of Patriarch Alexiy II, a move that could open the way for more cooperation with Catholics. REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin (RUSSIA) 

The coffin of Patriarch Alexiy II lies in state during a mouring ceremony in the Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Moscow December 6, 2008. The Russian Orthodox Church chose Metropolitan Kirill as an interim leader on Saturday after the death of Patriarch Alexiy II, a move that could open the way for more cooperation with Catholics. REUTERS/Thomas Peter (RUSSIA) 

People line up outside Moscow's Christ the Saviour Cathedral to pay their last respects to Patriarch Alexiy II, December 6, 2008. The Russian Orthodox Church chose Metropolitan Kirill as an interim leader on Saturday after the death of Patriarch Alexiy II, a move that could open the way for more cooperation with Catholics. REUTERS/Thomas Peter (RUSSIA) 

Clerics of Russia's Orthodox Church carry the casket of Patriarch Alexiy in to Moscow's Christ the Savior Cathedral, December 6, 2008. The Russian Orthodox Church chose Metropolitan Kirill as an interim leader on Saturday after the death of Patriarch Alexiy II, a move that could open the way for more cooperation with Catholics. REUTERS/Pool (RUSSIA) 

A nun mourns during a ceremony for Patriarch Alexiy II as he is laying in state in the Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Moscow December 6, 2008. The Russian Orthodox Church chose Metropolitan Kirill as an interim leader on Saturday after the death of Patriarch Alexiy II, a move that could open the way for more cooperation with Catholics. REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin (RUSSIA) 

People pay their last respects at the coffin of Patriarch Alexiy II in the Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Moscow December 6, 2008. The Russian Orthodox Church chose Metropolitan Kirill as an interim leader on Saturday after the death of Patriarch Alexiy II, a move that could open the way for more cooperation with Catholics. REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin (RUSSIA) 

People attend a mourning ceremony for Patriarch Alexiy II as he is laying in state in the Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Moscow December 6, 2008. The Russian Orthodox Church chose Metropolitan Kirill as an interim leader on Saturday after the death of Patriarch Alexiy II, a move that could open the way for more cooperation with Catholics. REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin (RUSSIA) 

Clergymen pay their last respects at the coffin of Patriarch Alexiy II in the Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Moscow December 6, 2008. The Russian Orthodox Church chose Metropolitan Kirill as an interim leader on Saturday after the death of Patriarch Alexiy II, a move that could open the way for more cooperation with Catholics. REUTERS/Thomas Peter (RUSSIA) 

Metropolitan Kirill holds a candle during a mourning ceremony for Patriarch Alexiy II in the Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Moscow December 6, 2008. The Russian Orthodox Church chose Metropolitan Kirill as an interim leader on Saturday after the death of Patriarch Alexiy II, a move that could open the way for more co-operation with Catholics. REUTERS/Thomas Peter (RUSSIA) 

A priest kisses the body of Patriarch Alexiy II as he is lying in state in the Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Moscow December 6, 2008. The Russian Orthodox Church chose Metropolitan Kirill as an interim leader on Saturday after the death of Patriarch Alexiy II, a move that could open the way for more co-operation with Catholics. REUTERS/Thomas Peter (RUSSIA) 

People pay their last respects at the coffin of Patriarch Alexiy II in the Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Moscow December 6, 2008. The Russian Orthodox Church chose Metropolitan Kirill as an interim leader on Saturday after the death of Patriarch Alexiy II, a move that could open the way for more co-operation with Catholics. REUTERS/Thomas Peter (RUSSIA) 

A priest pays his last respects at the coffin of Patriarch Alexiy II in the Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Moscow December 6, 2008. The Russian Orthodox Church chose Metropolitan Kirill as an interim leader on Saturday after the death of Patriarch Alexiy II, a move that could open the way for more co-operation with Catholics. REUTERS/Thomas Peter (RUSSIA) 

A woman holds a portrait of Patriarch Alexiy II and makes the sign of the cross as the body of the Orthodox church leader lies in state in the Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Moscow December 6, 2008. The Russian Orthodox Church chose Metropolitan Kirill as an interim leader on Saturday after the death of Patriarch Alexiy II, a move that could open the way for more co-operation with Catholics. REUTERS/Thomas Peter (RUSSIA) 

People line up outside Moscow's Christ the Saviour Cathedral to pay their last respects to Patriarch Alexiy II, December 6, 2008. The Russian Orthodox Church chose Metropolitan Kirill as an interim leader on Saturday after the death of Patriarch Alexiy II, a move that could open the way for more co-operation with Catholics. REUTERS/Thomas Peter (RUSSIA)