Russian Church's exiled head in Moscow to heal long-standing rift

Moscow, May 15 (UNI) The exiled head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Laurus, today arrived in Moscow on a visit during which he will try to rebuild bridges with Russian hierarchs after more than 80 years of separation.

During his stay in Moscow, Mr Laurus, the church's New York-based leader, will hold talks with Russian Patriarch Alexy II to discuss the Church's reunification with its overseas branch, established by emigres who fled the country after the 1917 Bolshevik revolution.

The two prelates will sign a document on Thursday, on re-establishing canonical ties, which is widely seen as a milestone on the way towards overcoming the long-standing rift with the exiled branch, which broke away in 1921, after accusing fellow clergymen in Soviet Russia of collaboration with the country's Communist regime.

The signing ceremony, timed to coincide with Ascension Day, will take place in Moscow's Christ the Saviour Cathedral.

A delegation of about several dozen senior clergymen is accompanying Mr Laurus on his historic visit.

Hundreds of pilgrims from the United States and Western Europe have arrived in Moscow to witness the event.

UNI