Metropolitan Nikodim (Rotov)

Metropolitan Nikodim (Rotov) (1929-1978)

Nikodim may be spelt Nicodème, Nikodemos, Nicodimus.

Early life of Boris Georgiyevich Rotov

On 15 October, 1929, Boris Georgiyevich Rotov was born in the village of Frolovo Korablinsky in the Ryazan Oblast in the central part of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (RSFSR) in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR).

Boris Georgiyevich was born into the family of the Secretary of the Ryazan Regional Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU).

His father, Georgy Ivanovich Rotov, worked at the Ryazan Provincial Land Administration as a land surveyor.

His mother, Elizabeth Mikhailovna Rotov (born Sion), was the daughter of Archpriest Michael Sion of the Ryazan Diocese.

Grandparents' family

Boris Georgiyevich was baptised in the Our Lady of Tikhvin Temple of the village of Pekhlets, and he was named in honour of the holy noble Prince Boris. In childhood, his upbringing was influenced by his maternal grandmother, Matushka Elena Nikolaevna, wife of Archpriest Michael Sion.

Our Lady of Tikhvin and Saint Nicholas Temple, Pekhlets

Childhood illness and healing

When Boris Georgiyevich was only a few months old, he became very ill. The physicians were powerless to help him, and his death was expected. The mother prayed fervently for her child and a miracle happened. On 9 July, 1929, the Feast-day of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God, the child experienced a miraculous and quick recovery. Since he knew about this incident from the retelling of the event by his parents, he loved the Mother of God very much. The image of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God, with which he never parted when he changed his place of residence or service, was always a focus of special reverence for him.

Tikhvin Icon of the Theotokos

Thus, despite the atheist-communist society in which the family lived, Boris Georgiyevich was raised in the bosom of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Rotov family

Borois Georgiyevich completed his primary and secondary education in his home village.

Higher education

After completing the “gymnasium”, Boris entered the Paedagogical Institute (now the S A Yesenin Ryazan State University), where he studied in the Faculty of Natural Sciences.

S A Yesenin Ryazan State University, Ryazan

Diaconal ordination, 1947

On 17 August, 1947, Boris Georgiyevich Rotov was ordained to the Holy Diaconate by Archbishop Dimitriy (Gradusov) of Yaroslavl and Rostov (who, in the Great Schema was named Lazar).

Monastic tonsure, 1947

On 19 August, 1947, Deacon Boris Rotov was tonsured to be a monk by Archbishop Dimitriy (Gradusov), and he was given the name Nikodim (in honour of the secret disciple of Christ, Righteous Nicodemus).

Diaconal service

After this, Hierodeacon Nikodim (Rotov) was counted as belonging to the official household of the Archbishop of Yaroslavl. Subsequently, Hierodeacon Nikodim legally formalised his monastic name as his civilian name.

At the same time, he continued to live in Ryazan and to study at the paedagogical institute.

In the summer of 1949, Hierodeacon Nikodim (Rotov) left the paedagogical institute, at the end of his second year.

Presbyteral ordination, 1949

On 20 November, 1949, Archbishop Dimitriy (Gradusov) ordained Hierodeacon Nikodim to the Holy Priesthood.

After ordination

With Vladyka Dimitry and others

Pastoral obediences

On 20 November, 1949, Hieromonk Nikodim (Rotov) was assigned to be the rector of the Temple of the Nativity of Christ in the village of Davydov, in the Tolbukhinsky County, in the Yaroslavl Oblast (province).

Nativity of Christ Temple, Davydov

Later, Hieromonk Nikodim (Rotov) was assigned to serve for some time as the second priest of Holy Protection Church in the town of Pereslavl.

Holy Protection Temple, Pereslavl

On 7 August, 1950, Hieromonk Nikodim (Rotov) was assigned to serve as the rector of the Temple of Saint Prince Dimitry in the town of Uglich, and also to serve as the dean of the Uglich County.

Saint Dmitry-in-the-Field Temple, Uglich

Further education

In 1950, Hieromonk Nikodim entered the correspondence sector of the Leningrad Theological Seminary, after which he entered the Leningrad Theological Academy. (The seminary and academy are both now named for Saint Petersburg, the name to which the city returned.)

In January, 1952, he was assigned to serve as a priest of the Great Rostov Cathedral of the Dormition, and as the secretary of the Archbishop of Yaroslavl and Rostov. He then served as the sacristan of the cathedral, and from December, 1954, as the acting rector.

Dormition Cathedral, Great Rostov

In 1955, Hieromonk Nikodim graduated from the Leningrad Theological Academy.

In 1959, for his work "The History of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem", Hieromonk Nikodim (Rotov) was awarded the degree of Candidate of Theology (Ph.D.).

Leningrad Theological Seminary and Academy

Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem, 1956

On 25 February, 1956, the Hieromonk Nikodim (Rotov) was transferred, and he was assigned to be a member of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem.

Russian Ecclesiastical Mission, Jerusalem

Soon afterwards, he was promoted to be the deputy chief of the mission.

Jerusalem mission

On 31 March, 1957, Metropolitan Nicholas (Yarushevich) of Krutitsy and Kolomna elevated Hieromonk Nikodim (Rotov) to the dignity of igumen.

On 25 September, 1957, Igumen Nikodim (Rotov) was assigned to serve as the head of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem.

At that time, Igumen Nikodim (Rotov) was elevated to the dignity of archimandrite. The elevation to the dignity of archimandrite was done by Metropolitan Isidore (Myrsiadis) of Nazareth and Galilee, at the request of Patriarch Alexei I (Simansky) of Moscow.

Archimandrite Nikodim

In 1959, Archimandrite Nikodim (Rotov) was transferred, and he was returned to Moscow.

Return to Moscow, 1959

In March, 1959, after his return to the Soviet Union, Archimandrite Nikodim was assigned to serve as the head of the Office of the Moscow Patriarchate (that is, as chancellor).

On 4 June, 1959, Archimandrite Nikodim (Rotov) was assigned to serve as the deputy chairman of the Department for External Church Relations (DECR). He retained at the same time his duties and responsibilities as the Chancellor of the Office of the Moscow Patriarchate.

It was at about this time that he was involved in bringing about the reconciliation of Archbishop Panteleimon (Rudyk) of Edmonton, Alberta, with the Moscow Patriarchate.

On 16 April, 1960, a note was sent to the CPSU Central Committee by Vladimir Kuroyedov, the chairman of the Council on the Affairs of the Russian Orthodox Church under the USSR Council of Ministers, and Alexander Shelepin, the chairman of the USSR State Security Committee. In this note which referred to information from some KGB agents, they indicated that they would “take Metropolitan Nicholas from participation in the work of the World Peace Council and the Soviet Peace Committee, and remove him from leading activities in the Moscow Patriarchate", and they applied the necessary pressure in order to achieve the consent of Patriarch Alexei I (Simansky). In addition, the note stated that : “The KGB would consider it expedient to appoint Archimandrite Nikodim Rotov to the position of chairman of the department for external church relations and nominate him as a representative of the Russian Orthodox Church to participate in the activities of the World Peace Council and the Soviet Peace Committee”.

On 21 June, 1960, the decision of the Holy Synod was taken to dismiss the DECR chairman Metropolitan Nikolai (Yarushevich).

At the same time in 1960, the Holy Synod of the Moscow Patriarchate decided to ordain Archimandrite Nikodim (Rotov) to the Holy Episcopate. They also decided that he would become the Bishop of Podolsk (in the Moscow Province). They further decided that he would take the place of Metropolitan Nikolai (Yarushevich) in the DECR.

On 9 July, 1960, on the eve of the ordination, Archimandrite Nikodim (Rotov) recalled in his speech after his official Confession of Faith in the Refectory Temple of the Holy Trinity-Saint Sergius Lavra, in Sergeiev Posad (at that time, Zagorsk). In this speech, he recalled his ordination to the Holy Diaconate :

 I entered the service of the Holy Church ; and whenever I remembered the Schema-archimandrite Lazar (Gradusov), 
 I was reminded about what it is to be a monk.

Refectory Temple of the Holy Trinity-Saint Sergius Lavra

Episcopal ordination, 1960

On 10 July, 1960, in the Holy Trinity Sobor of the Holy Trinity-Saint Sergius Lavra, Archimandrite Nikodim was ordained to the Holy Episcopate by Patriarch Alexei I (Simansky), along with the Metropolitan Elias (Muawad) of Mount Lebanon, and by Bishop Basilios of Sergiopolis (Church of Antioch), Bishop Pimen (Izvekov) of Dmitrov, and Bishop Stefan (Nikitin) of Mozhaisk.

Bishop Nikodim (Rotov)

Holy Trinity Sobor

Episcopal pastoral and administrative service

Bishop Nikodim (Rotov) was assigned to serve as the Bishop of the Podolsk Diocese, and as Vicar-Bishop of the Moscow Diocese.

Holy Trinity Sobor, Podolsk, Moscow Oblast

Chairman, Department of External Church Relations (DECR)

Bishop Nikodim (Rotov) was assigned to serve as the chairman of the Department of External Church Relations (DECR). At that time, the department was moving into a mansion of modest size on Ryleyev Street, number 18/2 in Moscow.

Department of External Church Relations, Danilovsky Monastery (since 1985)

The efforts of Metropolitan Nikodim improved the relations between the Russian Orthodox Church and the communities of Old Believers (Old Ritualists).

As the chairman of the DECR, Bishop Nikodim undertook the administration of the Russian Orthodox Church’s parishes in Hungary, in Finland and in Japan.

Also on 28 August, 1960, he was assigned to serve as a member of the Commission of Inter-Christian Relations.

Publishing Department of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC), 1960

On 19 September, 1960, Bishop Nikodim was assigned also to lead the Publishing Department of the Moscow Patriarchate. He was appointed to be the chairman of the editorial board of the annual academic journal "Theological Works" (founded by him in 1959).

On 23 November, 1960, Bishop Nikodim was assigned to serve as the Bishop of Yaroslavl and Rostov.

Holy Dormition Cathedral, Yaroslavl

On 16 March, 1961, at a meeting of the Holy Synod, Patriarch Alexei I (Simansky) proposed that “the persons holding the office of the Moscow Patriarchate and the Chairman of the DECR of the Moscow Patriarchate should be in the rank of Permanent Members of the Holy Synod”. For this reason, the Holy Synod decided to assign Bishop Nikodim (Rotov) of Rostov to serve as a permanent member of the Holy Synod.

In view of the fact that he was now spending most of his time in Moscow, Bishop Nikodim (Rotov) requested a Vicar-Bishop to serve the Diocese of Rostov.

On March 26, 1961, Archimandrite Kassian (Yaroslavsky) was ordained to the Holy Episcopate. He was assigned to serve as the Bishop of Uglich, and Vicar-Bishop of the Diocese of Yaroslavl.

On 10 June, 1961 Bishop Nikodim (Rotov) was elevated to the dignity of archbishop.

On 18 July, 1961, at the special Holy Synod meeting at the Holy Trinity-Saint Sergius Lavra (the bishops were assembled for the Feast-day of Saint Sergius of Radonezh), and the meeting was not announced in advance), Archbishop Nikodim (Rotov) presented a report on the necessity and timeliness of the ROC's membership in the World Council of Churches.

First Pan-Orthodox Conference, 1961

From 12 September to 1 October, 1961, Archbishop Nikodim (Rotov) was assigned to lead the Russian Orthodox Delegation to the Pan-Orthodox Conference on the Island of Rhodes, Greece. This was the first of its kind in 12 centuries. It was the first of several such councils, which were convened for the purpose of preparing for a future Pan-Orthodox Synod. Participating were representatives from the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul, from the patriarchates of Alexandria, Antioch, Jerusalem, Moscow, Yugoslavia, Romania and Bulgaria, and from the Churches of Cyprus, Greece, Poland and Czechoslovakia.

Rhodes Pan-Orthodox Conference, 1961 : Archbishop Epiphanius (Papavasiliou) of Philadelphia, Archpriest Vitaly Borovoy,

Archbishop Basil (Krivoshein), Alexey Buevsky, Archbishop Nikodim (Rotov) and Bishop Aleksey (Ridiger)

In Greece

Changes in official policy towards the Roman Catholic Church, 1962

During 1961, approaches were made both to the Church of Constantinople and to the Church of Russia by the Roman Catholic Church with regard to the possibility of sending observers to the Second Vatican Council which would open in October, 1962 (and terminate in 1965). As reported in an editorial in the "Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate", no. 5 for 1961, the response was at that time negative.

However, there followed 2 events which made a change. The first was in the summer of 1962, when the attitude of the leadership of the USSR towards the Pope of Rome began to change : “Soviet diplomats and special services began building bridges for contacts with the Vatican, the head of which at that time was the ‘red pope’ John XXIII, who also tried to build up peaceful efforts”. During a confidential meeting in Paris, France, in August, 1962, which included the Secretary of the Commission for the Promotion of Christian Unity, Johannes Willebrands and Archbishop Nikodim (Rotov), it became clear that “the Kremlin could agree to the presence of observers of the Russian Orthodox Church at the Second Vatican Council, if the Vatican could guarantee that this Council would not be an anti-Soviet forum”.

In September, 1962, in an interview with the French journalist Jean Goulet, Patriarch Alexei I (Simansky) spoke about the proximity of the Churches “to each other in the doctrinal and liturgical fields”. There followed an editorial on the subject by A V Vedernikov, which was officially declared to be the private opinion of its author. From 27 September to 2 October, 1962, Cardinal Willebrands officially visited Moscow, where, on 30 September, he "was present in the church of Peter and Paul in Lefortovo during the liturgy, which was performed by Archbishop Nikodim". On 10 October, the Holy Synod decided to accept the invitation of the Vatican to send observers, and defined the composition of the delegation : Archpriest Vitaly Borovoy and Archimandrite Vladimir (Kotlyarov). On 12 October, quite unexpectedly for all the other local Orthodox Churches, the ROC delegation left Moscow for Rome for the first session of the Council, which opened on 11 October.

It is helpful to remember that at that time, the First Secretary of the USSR was Nikita S Khrushchev, who remained so until 1964. During his time, there had been a renewed and very strong repression of the Orthodox Church within the USSR. By this time, there had developed a slight change in the official policy, in that foreigners began to be permitted to travel to the Soviet Union and to encounter the Orthodox Church (although there were strict limitations on where they could visit and whom they could visit within the USSR). Without lessening the repression and oppression of the Church, the Soviet state led visitors to believe that there was no persecution. While pursuing the policy of eradication, they tried to extract every possible advantage from the Church. Meanwhile, Metropolitan Nikodim was extracting from the godless state every possible advantage for the Church. Ordinations increased, and the numbers of bishops increased, despite the continued atheistic attacks.

Metropolitan Nikodim (Rotov)

 had to overcome tremendous difficulties caused by civil authorities, doing it with his characteristic 
 adherence to principles.  The external, especially international, work of the Church during the time 
 of persecution was critical for preventing its extension and for making it impossible or difficult 
 for the authorities to close and demolish monasteries and churches.  He managed to get young bishops 
 appointed to various sees abroad and transfer them consequently to the Church’s own canonical territory, 
 thus considerably replenishing and rejuvenating her episcopate.

In May, 1962, Archbishop Nikodim was sent to Mount Athos with a small delegation of 3 persons. It was only the second visit by members of the Russian Church there (at Saint Panteleimon’s Monastery and other smaller communities). Part of the journey was on donkeys, and part was on foot. One of the delegation compared the agility of the donkeys with that of cats. Nevertheless, the visit gave an opportunity for prayer and for rest.

Rest at Mount Athos

Second Pan-Orthodox Conference, 1963

From 26-29 September, 1963, Archbishop Nikodim (Rotov) was assigned to lead the delegation of the Church of Russia at the Second Pan-Orthodox Consultation on the Island of Rhodes.

During 1962, the journalist, teacher and theology specialist Alexander L Kazem-Bek returned to the USSR from exile in Western Europe, and he settled in Moscow. In that same year, he was assigned to be a senior consultant of the Department for External Church Relations (DECR) of the Moscow Patriarchate. He was also appointed to be a member of the editorial board of the Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate, and was the author of several articles on ecumenical matters and other topics. It is averred by some that this person had a strong influence on Archbishop Nikodim's attitudes towards other Christians, and in particular towards Roman Catholicism. It is reported that Vladyka Nikodim said, in effect, that although it is important to participate in the conversations which occur in the World Council of Churches (WCC), the dialogue with the Roman Catholic Church was more important. He would have said this because the WCC has existed in order to facilitate conversations ; whereas the Roman Catholic Church existed from the beginning of Christianity, and it was part of the Orthodox Church for about half of the mutual existence of both. Such a dialogue with Roman Catholics could possibly open a door at some time for reconciliation.

According to Nikita Khrushchev’s daughter Rada, on 7 March, 1963, she, her husband Alexei Adzhubei (at that time editor-in-chief of "Izvestia") and a certain Jesuit of Russian origin, had an audience with Pope John XXIII. At this encounter, Alexei Adzhubei handed a letter from N S Khrushchev to the Pope ; and the Pope (in her words) "handed him his letter for my father, which he wrote in Cyrillic in our presence". This occurred about 3 months before the Pope reposed.

On 11 May, 1963, Archbishop Nikodim (Rotov) was awarded the right to wear a Cross on the klobuk. He was also elected to serve as an honourary member of the Moscow Theological Academy.

On 14 May, 1963, the Holy Synod decided to “release the Right Reverend Archbishop of Yaroslavl and Rostov Nikodim as chairman of the Publishing Department”.

On 14 May, 1963, Bishop Kassian (Yaroslavsky) was transferred to become the Archbishop of Novosibirsk and Barnaul. This left Archbishop Nikodim without an assistant in Yaroslavl.

On 26 May, 1963, Archimandrite Bartholomew (Gondarovskiy) was ordained to the Holy Episcopate in the Feodorovsky Cathedral of the city ​​of Yaroslavl, and he was assigned to serve as the Bishop of Uglich, and Vicar-Bishop of the Yaroslavl Diocese.

However, on 29 May, 1963, Bishop Bartholomew (Gondarovskiy) was transferred, and he was assigned to serve as the Bishop of Saratov and Volgograd. There was no other Bishop of Uglich until 1999.

On 3 July, 1963, Archbishop Nikodim was appointed to serve as the chairman of the "Holy Synod Commission for Christian Unity", which was later transformed to become the "Commission on Inter-Christian Relations" of the Holy Synod.

On 3 August, 1963, Archbishop Nikodim (Rotov) was elevated to the dignity of metropolitan.

Metropolitan of Minsk and Byelorus, 1963

On 4 August, 1963, Metropolitan Nikodim (Rotov) was transferred and he was assigned to serve as the Metropolitan of Minsk and Byelorus.

Holy Spirit Cathedral, Minsk

The second session of the Vatican Council opened on 29 September, 1963. On 15 September, 1963, Metropolitan Nikodim "made a courtesy visit to Pope Paul VI, who received him in a private audience, [...] laid flowers on the grave of Pope John XXIII and served a Litya for the rest of his soul". It is noteworthy that Patriarch Athenagoras (Spyrou) did not even send congratulations on the election of Pope Paul VI, and he did not send a representative for his enthronement. This relationship quite soon changed in a dramatic manner and culminated in a public mutual embrace (see the "Joint Catholic-Orthodox Declaration of His Holiness Pope Paul VI and the Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras I" of 7 December, 1965).

In 1963, negotiations began in Rome between the Vatican and the USSR about the establishment of diplomatic relations. The USSR ambassador to Rome, Semyon P Kozyrev, and Cardinal Augustin Bea participated in them. Like the first similar attempt in the mid-1920s, negotiations ended without result due to the unwillingness of the Soviet leadership to alleviate the position of believers (of any faith) in the USSR.

Metropolitan of Leningrad and Ladoga, 1963

On 7 October, 1963, Metropolitan Nikodim (Rotov) was transferred, and he was assigned to serve as the Metropolitan of Leningrad and Ladoga. He was also assigned to serve as the Temporary Administrator of the Diocese of Olonets in Karelia. He was given the title "Metropolitan of Leningrad and Novgorod".

Serving at the Saint Alexander Nevsky Lavra

Holy Trinity Cathedral, Saint Alexander Nevsky Lavra

Third Pan-Orthodox Conference, 1964

On 1-15 November, 1964, Metropolitan Nikodim (Rotov) was assigned to lead the delegation of the Church of Russia at the Third Pan-Orthodox Consultation on the Island of Rhodes.

With Patriarch Justinian of Romania

In Greece

First harbinger of future conversations between Moscow and the "Metropolia"

During 1963, when Metropolitan Nikokim (Rotov) was visiting the Russian Exarchate in North America, Metropolitan Leonty (Turkevich), the First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church in North America (ROGCCNA) received him for a visit in New York City.

In addition to his ecclesial positions, Metropolitan Nikodim held many administrative positions, and he also served as a delegate to various international religious meetings. Many of these positions placed him in the international religious arena, in part, apparently, to present a religious "face" for the Soviet Union.

In December, 1967, at the Leningrad Theological Academy, Metropolitan Nikodim (Rotov) gave the report, “Dialogue with the Roman Catholics on Contemporary Christian Social Thought”, which he had read in Geneva in July, 1966, at the conference “Church and Society”. In response to the report, on the proposal and under the leadership of Cardinal Johannes Willebrands (the Titular Bishop of Mauriana), as well as of Bishop Juvenaly (Poyarkov) of Zaraysk, the first interviews were held between theologians of the Roman Catholic Church and the Russian Orthodox Church. These conversations continued later on.

Dialogue with Roman Catholics : a typical table

WCC representation, 1968

From 4 to 19 July, 1968, at the head of the Russian Orthodox Church delegation, Metropolitan Nikodim was present at the 4th Assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in Uppsala, Sweden, and he was elected to the WCC Central Committee.

In the same year, he was elected to serve as the Chairman of the "Committee for the Continuation of the Works of the Christian Peace Conference".

Fourth Pan-Orthodox Conference, 1968

From 8 to 15 June, 1968, Metropolitan Nikodim (Rotov) was assigned to lead the delegation of the Church of Russia at the Fourth Pan-Orthodox Consultation in Chambésy, Switzerland.

On 20 March, 1969, he was assigned to serve as the representative of the Moscow Patriarchate in the "Inter-Orthodox Preparatory Commission" for the future Holy Pan-Orthodox Council, and he was approved to serve as the chairman of the "Holy Synod Commission for Christian Unity".

On 16 December, 1969, Metropolitan Nikodim was assigned to serve as the Chairman of the "Commission for the Study of the Glorification of the Ever-Memorable Archbishop Nicholas (Kasatkin) of Japan. Archbishop Nicholas was glorified on 10 April, 1970, as “Saint Nicholas, Equal-to-the-Apostles and Archbishop of Japan”.

On 17 March, 1970, Metropolitan Nikodim (Rotov) was entrusted with the Temporary Administration of the Patriarchal Parishes of North and South America. He was already familiar with the situation of the parishes of the Russian Exarchate through experience.

Autocephaly for the ROGCCNA ; Autonomy for the Church of Japan, 1970

In April, 1970, in the USA, after the official granting of autocephaly in Moscow on 31 March, 1970, Metropolitan Nikodim (Rotov) signed an agreement with Metropolitan Ireney (Bekish) of New York, All America and Canada, of the ROGCCNA. The document concerned and confirmed the conditions under which the autocephaly of the Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church of North America ("Metropolia", ROGCCNA), which became The Orthodox Church in America had been granted. At that time, the patriarchate relinquished its Russian Exarchate in North and South America, and retained, instead, an administration of those parishes which remained with the patriarchate. Metropolitan Nikodim was involved in establishing this new administration, just as he had been very much involved in the preparations for the autocephaly.

Together with this granting of autocephaly, the Japanese Orthodox Church was returned from the care of the "Metropolia" to the jurisdiction of the Moscow Patriarchate, and it was at the same time granted autonomy by the patriarchate.

The following excerpt from a 2012 article by Dr. Paul Meyendorff ("Fr John Meyendorff and the Autocephaly of the OCA") gives details of the work of Metropolitan Nikodim (Rotov) with others which led to this event :

 It was at the 1961 World Council of Churches Assembly in New Delhi, India, that the 
 Russian Orthodox Church joined the ecumenical movement, and this allowed contact between 
 the Metropolia and the Russian Orthodox Church to resume after a hiatus of nearly forty years.  
 Here Fr John was able to meet and to speak informally especially with Metropolitan Nikodim 
 of Leningrad, chairman of the External Affairs Department of the Russian Church. This informal 
 meeting led to further encounters in 1963, this time in the United States, and then again 
 in November 1967, at which time Metropolitan Nikodim asked for a ‘sign’ from the Metropolia 
 that it desired to enter into negotiations. Throughout the 1960s, Fr John maintained informal 
 contacts with Metropolitan Nikodim, as well as Metropolitan Anthony Bloom, who encouraged 
 the Metropolia to develop and maintain contact with the Moscow Patriarchate. Then in August 1968, 
 this time at the WCC Assembly in Uppsala, Sweden, Nikodim informed the Metropolia’s delegation 
 that the Patriarchal Synod was ready to enter into negotiations. At each of these encounters, 
 Fr John was present and took a leading role.
 
 Fr Meyendorff reported on this conversation to Metropolitan Ireney, primate of the Metropolia, 
 who indicated his willingness to continue the dialogue. On September 22, 1968, Fr John sent 
 a personal letter to Metropolitan Nikodim informing him that the Metropolia was ready to hold 
 a secret and informal meeting between representatives of the two churches. The letter further 
 proposed that the meeting take place either in Belgrade or Geneva. An affirmative response 
 from Moscow, signed by Metropolitan Nikodim, was sent on December 20, 1968. 
 
 The immediate result was a series of ‘unofficial’ meetings in New York, the first on 
 January 21, 1969, at the New Yorker Hotel, the second on February 3, 1969, in Syosset, NY, 
 at the residence of Metropolitan Ireney. The Moscow delegation was at both meetings headed 
 by Metropolitan Nikodim. The Metropolia delegation consisted of a special commission 
 for this purpose appointed by Metropolitan Ireney and headed by Bishop Kiprian of Pennsylvania, 
 and including Fr Joseph Pishtey, Chancellor of the Metropolia, Frs Alexander Schmemann, John Skvir, 
 John Meyendorff, Kirill Fotiev, as well as Professor Sergius Verhovskoy.
 
 At the 22 January meeting, it was agreed that this meeting would be considered unofficial, but 
 that the subsequent meeting in February would be official and would draft a formal agreement 
 for presentation to the Holy Synods of the Moscow Patriarchate and the Metropolia. 
 Metropolitan Nikodim began by pointing out that the situation in America was fundamentally 
 different from that in Western Europe, where there had never been a diocese of the Russian Church, 
 while a Russian diocese existed in America until 1922.  He further stated that it would be pointless 
 to speak of the reasons that led to the break between the mother church and the Metropolia ; 
 rather, the focus should be on the future. At this point, Fr Meyendorff summarised the points discussed 
 back in 1963 : 1) the granting of autocephaly in accordance with canon law, and its recognition 
 by the other local churches ; 2) the recognition by Moscow of the new autocephaly as the complete 
 successor of the mission and exarchates of the Russian Church ; and 3) the suppression of the Exarchate, 
 with the exception of a representation church.  Metropolitan Nikodim expressed his agreement, 
 but stated that the St Nicholas Cathedral in New York must be kept by the (Moscow) Patriarchate. 
 In the ensuing discussions, Fr Schmemann asked Metropolitan Nikodim how the local churches, 
 particularly Constantinople, would receive the granting of autocephaly.  Nikodim replied that 
 Constantinople would not be happy, but that this would not be a problem. Did Constantinople 
 ask anyone when it established its new diocese in America in 1922 ? He then expressed his certainty 
 that other groups would eventually join the autocephaly. Further, the non-recognition of the autocephaly 
 might well lead to an inter-Orthodox meeting : by what right can the Greek churches not recognize 
 the right of the Russian Church to grant autocephaly to its former diocese, the first on this [American] 
 continent, whose jurisdiction over America no one considered challenging before 1922 ? After discussion of 
 the church in Japan and several minor issues, the meeting concluded with an agreement to meet on February 3.
 
 Though still officially an ‘informal’ meeting, this gathering discussed the formal details 
 of the granting of autocephaly and agreed upon a formula to be presented as a formal request 
 to the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church from the Holy Synod of the Metropolia. 
 The proposal was set on paper and signed by Metropolitan Nikodim and Bishop Kiprian.  The agreement 
 listed the following points : 1) the Russian Patriarchate would terminate its jurisdiction in America ; 
 2) the Patriarchate would grant autocephaly to the Metropolia ; 3) all property and rights belonging 
 to the Patriarchate would be transferred to the autocephalous church, with the exception of 
 St Nicholas Cathedral, which would have the status of ‘podvorie’ (representation church) ; 
 4) the securing by the Patriarchate of the recognition of the autocephaly by all local Orthodox Churches.
 
 After the agreement reached in Syosset was approved by the Holy Synods of both churches, 
 an official meeting was held in Geneva, Switzerland, on August 24–25, 1969, to prepare 
 the final steps for the formal declaration of autocephaly and the issuing of the [Tomos]. 
 One of the Russian representatives at this meeting was Hieromonk Kirill (Gundiaev), 
 a close associate of Metropolitan Nikodim and the current Patriarch of Moscow.  Among the 
 details resolved at this meeting was the continued presence in America of a small number 
 of parishes under Moscow, as well as an agreement to hold a meeting in Tokyo of representatives 
 of the Moscow Patriarchate, the Metropolia, and the Japanese Orthodox Church to resolve 
 the canonical situation in Japan, and to resolve some final questions about the autocephaly of the Metropolia.
 
 It was following this meeting that the negotiations and final agreement became public, 
 and the External Affairs Department was charged with informing the dioceses about 
 these developments. Bishop Kiprian and Frs Pishtey and Schmemann personally presented reports 
 to the various diocesan assemblies that fall, and the Metropolitan Council (the administrative body of 
 the Metropolia in the intervals between all-church councils) was briefed. Fr Meyendorff, 
 in his role as editor of the church newspaper, 'The Orthodox Church', wrote a series of editorials 
 that appeared in each issue, all addressing the issue of autocephaly and answering the objections of doubters. 

In 1970, Metropolitan Nikodim (Rotov) was given the right to wear 2 panagias ; he was also given the degree Master of Theology.

On 25 June, 1970, Metropolitan Nikodim was assigned to be a member of the Holy Synod’s "Commission for the Preparation of the Local Assembly of the Russian Orthodox Church".

Meeting a delegation of the Church of Poland

In April, 1972, amongst other religious figures of the USSR, “participants in the peace movement”, he signed a draft letter condemning the “slanderous activities” of Alexander Solzhenitsyn.

At about this time in 1972, Metropolitan Nikodim suffered a heart attack, after which he petitioned for his release from his responsibilities as Chairman of the Department of External Church Relations.

Release from the Department of External Church Relations, 1972

On 30 May, 1972, in accordance with his own petition, Metropolitan Nikodim (Rotov) was released from his responsibilities as Chairman of the Department of External Church Relations, as a consequence of the heart attack. At the same time, however, he remained the chairman of the Holy Synod’s "Commission for Christian Unity". At the same meeting of the Holy Synod, this commission was re-named as the "Commission of the Holy Synod for Christian Unity and Inter-Church Relations".

Blessing children in Leningrad

Metropolitan Nikodim was also entrusted with the pastoral care of those congregations located in Finland, which belonged to the jurisdiction of the Moscow Patriarchate.

Exarch of Western Europe, 1972

On 3 September, 1972, he was assigned to serve as the Patriarchal Exarch of Western Europe.

On 24-25 October, 1972, in connexion with the 20th anniversary of the Christian Theological Academy in Warsaw, the Senate and the Council of the Academy awarded Metropolitan Nikodim the degree Doctor of Theology "honoris causa" (honourary degree) for his contribution in the field of ecumenism and peacekeeping.

From 23 November to 10 December, 1975, he led a delegation of the Russian Orthodox Church at the 5th General Assembly of the WCC in Nairobi, Kenya. At that time, he was elected to serve as president of the World Council of Churches.

Metropolitan Nikodim was an honourary member of both the Leningrad and the Moscow Theological Academies. In addition, he was a board member of the Union of Soviet Societies for Friendship and Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries and of the Soviet Association of Friendship with the Peoples of Africa.

Vladyka Nikodim

Group in Leningrad

Repose, 1978

The circumstances of the sudden repose of Metropolitan Nikodim (Rotov) are set out in great detail in the "Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate", no. 11, in 1978.

Metropolitan Nikodim (Rotov) had travelled to the Vatican at the head of the delegation of the Russian Church on the occasion of the enthronement of Pope John Paul I on 3 September, 1978.

On 5 September, 1978, at 10 o'clock in the morning while he was in the papal office at an audience with Pope John Paul I in the Vatican, Metropolitan Nikodim suddenly fell asleep in the Lord when he suffered a heart attack. According to eyewitnesses, he looked very weary, and he suffered from an instantaneous cardiac arrest. It occurred while he was introducing Archimandrite Leo (Tserpitsky). This sudden repose was a great shock to all. Nevertheless, the Pope and Cardinal Jean-Marie Villaud both immediately prayed for him. This new pope would himself die 22 days later, also from a heart attack.

Metropolitan Nikodim was 48 years old at that time.

Until the time for the transfer to Leningrad, after his body was duly prepared, Metropolitan Nikodim lay in repose in the Church of Saint Anne in the Vatican.

On 10 September, 1978, in Leningrad, at the Holy Trinity Cathedral of the Saint Alexander Nevsky Lavra, there was offered a funeral service for the late Metropolitan Nikodim. The Funeral Service for the Burial of a Monk (as requested in the will) was led by Patriarch Pimen (Izvekov), together with Metropolitan Dorofei (Filipp) of Prague and all Czechoslovakia, and Archbishop Paul (Olmari) of Karelia and All Finland. They were assisted by the permanent members of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Filaret (Denysenko) of Kiev and Galich, Metropolitan Aleksy (Ridiger) of Tallinn and Estonia, Metropolitan Juvenaly (Poyarkov) of Krutitsy and Kolomna, and Metropolitan Anthony (Melnikov) of Minsk and Byelorussia (who was administering the Leningrad diocese temporarily). Other metropolitans, archbishops, bishops, and numerous clergy arrived to bid farewell to the departed.

Holy Trinity Sobor of Saint Alexander Nevsky Lavra

After the funeral services, the body of Metropolitan Nikodim (Rotov) was interred at the Saint Nicholas Cemetery of the Holy Trinity Alexander Nevsky Lavra.

Grave of Metropolitan Nikodim

— Bishop of Podolsk 1960. Preceded by : Bishop John (Wendland). Succeeded by : Bishop Cyprian (Zernov).

— Vicar-Bishop of the Moscow Diocese 1960.

— Bishop of Yaroslavl and Rostov 1960-1961. Preceded by : Bishop Isaiah (Kovalev).

— Archbishop of Yaroslavl and Rostov 1961-1963. Succeeded by : Archbishop Leonid (Polyakov).

— Chairman of the Department of External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate 1960-1972. Preceded by : Metropolitan Nikolay (Yarusevich). Suceeded by : Metropolitan Juvenaly (Poyarkov).

— Metropolitan of Minsk and Belarus (Byelorus) 1963-1963. Preceded by : Bishop Varlaam (Borisevich). Succeeded by : Metropolitan Sergei (Petrov).

— Metropolitan of Leningrad and Ladoga 1963-1967. Preceded by : Metropolitan Pimen (Izvekov). The See name was changed.

— Metropolitan of Leningrad and Novgorod 1967-1978. The See name was changed. Succeeded by : Metropolitan Anthony (Melnikov).

— Temporary Administrator of the Moscow Patriarchate Parishes in North and South America 1970.

— Exarch of Western Europe 1972-1978. Preceded by : Metropolitan Anthony (Bloom. Succeeded by : Metropolitan Philaret (Vakhromeyev).

— Temporary Administrator of the Moscow Patriarchate Parishes in Finland 1972-1978. Predecessor : Bishop Michael (Chub). Successor : Metropolitan Philaret (Vakhromeyev).

Reflections

For decades after the repose of Metropolitan Nikodim, fresh flowers have been constantly adorning the grave of the beloved bishop. It may not be popularly known, especially after so many years, that during the life-time of Metropolitan Nikodim, and until long afterwards, the serious and faithful Orthodox believers in Leningrad/Saint Petersburg and in every other place in the Soviet Union were extremely vigilant and aware as to "who is who" amongst the clergy. They knew well who was a trustworthy and faithful cleric. They knew also who was a cleric who collaborated with the KGB somewhat too much, or what cleric was actually an impostor. They made their confessions only before those who were trustworthy. Were not Metropolitan Nikodim amongst those, then there would not have been so much affectionate care taken of his grave (especially for decades afterwards).

A little-known area of activity of Metropolitan Nikodim was composing Church hymns. He compiled several services to the saints, which are used in Orthodox worship. Amongst them are the service of Saint John the Russian ; the service of Saint Tabitha ; of Saint Nicholas (Kasatkin), Archbishop of Japan ; of the Synaxis of the Yaroslavl Saints, and others.

Sayings by Metropolitan Nikodim :

Opinion about "communist atheism"

 An objective study of atheism shows the need for a strict distinction between motives leading to an atheistic world view. 
 We know that communist atheism is a certain belief system, which includes moral principles that do not contradict Christian 
 norms.  Another atheism - sacrilegious, immoral, arising from the desire to live "freely" from the divine law of Truth, 
 existed primarily in the depths of the old society and most often arose on the basis of the idle and corrupted life of the 
 propertied classes.  Christianity really considers atheism of the second type to be the mortal sin, but it looks at communist 
 atheism differently.  

Negative and unproven accusations

As is the case with many bishops and clergy of the Soviet era, there are allegations from the West about his supposedly active participation in communist organisations.

According to the Mitrokhin Archive, which claimed that there was a deep communist penetration into the Russian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Nikodim was alleged to have been a KGB agent, working under the codename "Adamant", whose ecumenical activity with the Roman Catholic Church and the World Council of Churches (WCC) served to further Soviet goals. Ordained in 1960 at the age of 31, the youngest bishop in the Christian world at the time, he proceeded to become one of the WCC's 6 presidents.

Metropolitan Nikodim is alleged to have participated in negotiating a secret 1960s agreement between Soviet and Vatican officials that authorised Eastern Orthodox participation in the Second Vatican Council in exchange for non-condemnation of atheistic communism during the conciliar assemblies.

In the West, Metropolitan Nikodim’s activities were interpreted as showing that he was an agent of the Soviet regime, and that he presented for it an agenda of the Soviet images of peace and unity in international meetings he attended.

Despite the accusations from elsewhere, the local people (who would best know him) seem still to keep his memory with love many decades after his repose. It must be repeated that the allegations are not proven as facts. Every bishop during the Soviet era was subject to communist pressure. It was for them to understand how to give the minimum co-operation possible which would nevertheless allow the Orthodox Church to function in the Soviet Union. Eventually, the Russian bishops were able to help some westerners to understand their situation, and to understand them better. They gave clues to the outsiders about how to "read between the lines" of the official and public statements. Often, the true situation would be rather different from what the bishops were compelled to say.

5 September, 2021, 43rd anniversary of the repose of Metropolitan Nikodim

On 5 September, 2021 Patriarch Kirill (Gundyaev) served a panikhida (memorial service) at the grave of his former mentor, Metropolitan Nikodim, in Saint Petersburg.

Grave of Metropolitan Nikodim (Rotov), 2021

Panikhida, September, 2021

On that day, Patriarch Kirill made this comment about Metropolitan Nikodim :

He led me, an unworthy one, to the episcopal ministry, and a new generation of the episcopate, which is still performing 
 its ministry today.  This happened at a time when the episcopate of the older generation was already leaving the historical 
 scene, people were reigning in the Lord because of their age, and the authorities did not allow the ordination of new 
 bishops.  The Church could be beheaded, because where the bishop is, there is the Church, and if the episcopate disappeared, 
 then, of course, the Church would disappear, or at least the church life would degrade so much that any opportunity to 
 influence the minds and hearts of contemporaries.  But Vladyka Nikodim created a new generation of the episcopate.  Some of 
 the leaders ordained by him still work today, including in high church posts ; some have retired ; others have reposed in the 
 Lord.  And therefore, remembering Vladyka Metropolitan Nikodim, as a person personally close to him, every time I am filled 
 with the greatest gratitude for the feat of life that he accomplished.  And in order for all people to understand that his 
 ministry was ascetic, suffice it to say that he died in his prime, while still a young man.  Adapters, consumers of goods, 
 take care of themselves and never endanger their lives ; but Vladyka Nikodim did not reckon with either health or strength. 
 Young, in the prime of his life, he went to the Lord, but left a bright mark on himself.  Let us pray for the repose of his 
 soul.  

Awards

The competence of Metropolitan Nikodim (Rotov) of the Russian Orthodox Church was marked by the awards he received.

• Right to wear a Cross on the klobuk (11 May, 1963)

• Right to wear the second Panagia (12 April, 1970)

• Right to serve with a processional Cross during services (17 June, 1971)

• Order of the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Grand Duke Vladimir, 1st degree (13 May, 1963)

• Order of the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Grand Duke Vladimir, 2nd degree

• Order of the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Grand Duke Vladimir, 3rd degree

• Order of the Phoenix (Greece)

• National Order of the Cedar (Lebanon)

• Order of the Yugoslav flag (Yugoslavia)

• Honourary Doctorate of Theology degree (honoris causa) (25 October, 1972, Warsaw, Poland)

• Honourary member of the Leningrad Theological Academy

• Honourary member of the Moscow Theological Academy

These details are in accordance with the files of the DECR Communication Service.

Writings

Articles, speeches, messages

• ‘Chronicle of Church Life : Letters from Palestine (Appointment of the New Head of the Mission ; Meeting of the New Abbess)’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 7 (1956), pp. 25-26.

• ‘Trinity Day in Jerusalem’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 7 (1957), pp. 14-17.

• ‘Feast in the Gorny city of Judova’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 9 (1957), p. 10.

• ‘The Trip of the Patriarch of Jerusalem Benedict to Palestine’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 11 (1958), pp. 56-58.

• ‘Several Days in Greece and on the Holy Mountain’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 7 (1959), pp. 65-68.

• “The History of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem” (1959)

• ‘His Holiness Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Melchizedek III (Obituary)’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 2 (1960), pp. 62-66.

• “Feast of the Georgian Church” in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 4 ( 1960), pp. 61-65.

• “Speech at the Naming Bishop of Podolsk’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 8 (1960).

• ‘His Eminence Archbishop Timothy [condolences on the death of His Beatitude Metropolitan Macarius, Primate of the Orthodox Church in Poland]’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 3 (1961), p. 9.

• ‘Peace is following Christ. (Co-report of the delegation of the Russian Orthodox Church at the World All-Christian Congress in Prague)’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 6 (1961).

• ‘Russian Orthodox Church and World Council of Churches : Report at the Council of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church on July 18, 1961’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 8 (1961).

• ‘To His Beatitude Cyrus Makarios, President of the Cyprus Republic and Archbishop of all Cyprus [congratulations on the Independence Day of the Cyprus Republic]’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 9 (1961), p. 3.

• ‘Speech at the Presentation of the Bishop's Staff to Bishop Alexy of Tallinn and Estonia’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 10 (1961).

• ‘Palestinian Memories’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 10 (1961), pp. 20-23.

• ‘Speech at the Opening of the Pan-Orthodox Meeting at the Cathedral of the Annunciation in Rhodes, 24 September, 1961’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 11 (1961), pp. 10-12.

• ‘Statement at the Pan-Orthodox Conference on Rhodes’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 11 (1961), pp. 12-25.

• ‘Closing remarks at the plenary Session of the Pan-Orthodox Conference on Rhodes, September 30, 1961’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 11 (1961), p. 29.

• ‘Words on the Feast of the Nativity of Christ’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 2 (1962), pp. 18-19.

• ‘To the President of the World Council of Churches, to the President of the Church of Hesse-Nassau, Dr. Pastor Martin Niemeller : Congratulations on his 70th Birthday’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 2 (1962), p. 32.

• ‘To His Beatitude Chrysostomos, Archbishop of Athens and All Hellas : Congratulations on his Election to the Archbishop of Athens Throne’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate, no. 3 (1962), pp. 8-9.

• ‘Words on the Feast of Holy Easter’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 5 (1962), pp. 6-7.

• ‘Time is given to us for Reconciliation’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate” no. 5 (1962), pp. 23-25.

• Orthodox Theology and its Attitude to the Problems of the Prague Christian Peace Movement : Report at the Meeting of the Advisory Committee of the Prague Christian Peace Conference, Karlovy Vary, May 1962’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 6 (1962), pp. 36-42.

• ‘To the General Secretary of the WCC, Dr. VA Vissert-Hoft : on the Caribbean Crisis’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 11 (1962), p. 7.

• ‘International Position and Tasks of the Christian Peace Movement’ in ‘Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate’, no. 10 (1962), pp. 45-50.

• ‘Das Gleichnis von den Weinbauern (The Parable of the Winegrowers)’ in “Stimme der Orthodoxie”, no. 10 (1962).

• A significant Anniversary of Evangelism : To the Executive Committee for the 150th Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Gospel in Madagascar [congratulatory telegram]’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 11 (1968) p. 2.

• To the President of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA, Mr. Irwin Miller about the Cuban Missile Crisis’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 11 (1962), p. 7.

• ‘Rede auf dem Empfang für die Delegation des Nationalrates der Kirchen in USA’ [Speech at a Reception in Honour of the Delegation of the National Council of Churches in the United States] in “Stimme der Orthodoxie”, nos. 11-12 (1962).

• ‘Peace and Freedom : Report at a regional Conference in Holland) in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 1 (1963), pp. 39-44.

• ‘Christmas Address to the Christian Brothers of the Federal Republic of Germany’ in “ Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 1 (1963), p. 52.

• ‘Rede vor der Ständigen Kommission Frieden und Ökumene’ [Speech to the Standing Commission for Peace and the Ecumenism] in “Stimme der Orthodoxie”, no. 6 (1963).

• ‘Speech at the Presentation of the Bishop's Staff to Bishop Bartholomew of Uglich’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 7 (1963).

• ‘To the 1000th Anniversary of the monastic System of Mount Athos’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 10 (1963), pp. 50-53.

• ‘President of the National Council of Churches of Christ of the United States of America, Irwin Miller : Condolences on the Death of US President John F. Kennedy’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 12 (1963), p. 6.

• ‘Life and Work of His Holiness Patriarch Alexy : Report at the solemn Act dedicated to the 50th Anniversary of the episcopal Ministry of His Holiness Patriarch Alexy, July 17, 1963)’ in Jubilee issue of the “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, dedicated to the 50th Anniversary of the episcopal Ministry of His Holiness Patriarch Alexy of Moscow and All Russia (1963), pp. 66-75.

• ‘Peaceful Ministry of Churches in a World that has embarked on the Path of Coexistence’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 1 (1964), pp. 26-30.

• ‘To Dr. Hewlett Johnson : Congratulations on his 90th Birthday’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 2 (1964), p. 10.

• ‘Christian Churches and divine Services during the Time of St. John Chrysostom based on his creations’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate” (1964), no. 11, pp. 46-53 ; no. 12, pp. 67-70 ; (1965), no. 2, pp. 77-79 ; no. 3, pp. 71-75 ; no. 4, pp. 70-76 ; no. 5, pp. 65-73 ; no. 6, pp. 53-61.

• ‘Speech at the Reception of Participants in the Session of the Executive Committee of the World Council of Churches in Moscow on February 9, 1964’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 4 (1964), pp. 11-14.

• ‘Speech at a Reception by a group of members of the Executive Committee of the World Council of Churches in Leningrad on February 18, 1964’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 4 (1964), pp. 14-16.

• ‘To the President of the Christian Peace Conference Dr. Joseph Gromadka : Congratulations on his 75th Birthday’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 7 (1964), p. 12.

• ‘Words spoken in the St. Nicholas Epiphany Cathedral of Leningrad on 4 May 4, 1964 : Easter sermon’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 7 (1964), pp. 33-35.

• ‘Speech at the Opening of the Second All Christian Peace Congress 28 June, 1964 in Prague’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 8 (1964), pp. 42-44.

• ‘Words on the Feast of the Holy Trinity, spoken in the Trinity Cathedral Alexander Nevsky Lavra of Leningrad on 21 June, 1964’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 9 (1964), pp. 17-20.

• ‘Speech at the 11th Congress of the Christian Democratic Union of Germany’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 11 (1964), pp. 28-29.

• ‘Sermon on the 22nd Week after Pentecost, delivered in the Cathedral of Coventry (England) : The Saviour's Help in Our Life’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 1 (1965), pp. 41-43.

• ‘Speech at the Opening of the Third Pan-Orthodox Conference on Rhodes’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no 2 (1965).

• ‘Speech at the Third Pan-Orthodox Conference on Rhodes’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 2 (1965).

• ‘Report at the solemn Meeting in Honour of the 20th Anniversary of His Holiness Patriarch Alexy's Tenure in the Primatial Office’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 3 (1965), pp. 11-16.

• ‘Speech on Moscow radio on 10 February, 1965 about the Intention of the FRG Government to end the Prosecution of war Criminals’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 3 (1965), pp. 53-55.

• ‘Sermon on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord delivered in the St. Nicholas Cathedral of the Epiphany in Leningrad’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 3 (1965), pp. 43-45.

• ‘Speech at the ceremonial Meeting of the Working Committee of the Christian Peace Conference in Sofia on 3 March, 1965’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate” no. 4 (1965), pp. 57-59.

• ‘Speech at the Presentation of the Bishop's Staff to Bishop Boris of Ryazan and Kasimov’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 4 (1965).

• ‘Speech at a Dinner in Honour of the Participants of the Theological Commission of the KMK on 7 April, 1965’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 5 (1965).

• ‘Speech at the Opening of the Meeting of the Theological Commission of the Christian Peace Conference, Leningrad, 8 April, 1965)’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 5 (1965), pp. 38-42.

• ‘Victory Day and the Defence of Peace : Thoughts of a Clergyman of the Russian Orthodox Church on the Occasion of the 20th Anniversary of the Victory over Nazi Germany’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. (1965), pp. 30-33.

• ‘Speech at a Reception in Honour of the Participants in the Meeting of the Theological Commission of the Christian Peace Conference on 11 April, 1965’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 7 (1965), pp. 28-29.

• ‘In Memory of the Master of Prague Jan Hus : To the 550th Anniversary of his Death’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 8 (1965), pp. 53-55.

• ‘Speech at the Presentation of the Bishop's Staff to the Bishop of Vologda and Veliky Ustyug Melchizedek’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 8 (1965).

• ‘Reflections on the Book of the Proverbs of Solomon’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 9 (1965), pp. 34-38.

• ‘Words on the Transfiguration of the Lord, spoken in the Transfiguration Cathedral of Leningrad on 19 August, 1965’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 10 (1965), pp. 23-26.

• ‘Speech at the plenary Meeting of the Advisory Committee for the Continuation of the Work of the Christian Peace Conference in Budapest, 14 October, 1965’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 11 (1965), pp. 32-35.

• ‘On the Paths to common Christian Unity : Report at the theological Faculty of the University of Helsinki’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 11 (1965), pp. 40-46.

• ‘Speech at the Presentation of the Bishop's Staff to Bishop Filaret of Tikhvin’ in Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 12 (1965).

• ‘Sermon in the Dormition Church in Budapest on Sunday 17 October, 1965’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 12 (1965), pp. 40-42.

• ‘St. Cyprian of Carthage about the Church’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 1 (1966), pp. 70-75.

• ‘Speech at the Presentation of the Staff to Bishop Juvenaly of Zaraisk’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 2 (1966).

• ‘The Words spoken in the Cathedral of Kuopio, Finland during the Evening on 22 September, 1965’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 2 (1966), pp. 36-39.

• ‘Telegram to Dr. William A. Wissert-Hoft on the Occasion of his Resignation as Secretary General of the World Council of Churches’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 3 (1966), p. 6.

• ‘Telegram to Dr. Eugene K. Blake on the Occasion of his Election as Secretary General of the World Council of Churches’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 3 (1966), p. 7.

• ‘Word spoken on the Second Week of Great Lent in the Trinity Cathedral Alexander Nevsky Lavra of Leningrad’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 4 (1966), pp. 23-25.

• ‘Predigt zum Fest der heiligen Ostern (Word for the Feast of Holy Easter)’ in Stimme der Orthodoxie, no. 4 (1966).

• ‘A Word spoken on the Eve of the Annunciation in the Moscow Church of Sts. Peter and Paul in Lefortovo’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 5 (1966), pp. 27-30.

• ‘Congratulations on the 80th birthday of His Holiness Patriarch Athenagoras’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 7 (1966), p. 6.

• ‘Speech at the Inauguration and Consecration of the Orthodox Hospital of St. George the Victorious in Beirut’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate, no. 8 (1966), pp. 2-4.

• ‘Speech at the Opening of the Meetings of the KMK Commission for the Study of Economic Problems and Developing Countries in the Trinity-Sergius Lavra on 5 July, 1966’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 8 (1966), pp. 31-34.

• ‘Speech at a Reception on the Occasion of the End of the Meetings of the International Commission of the Christian Peace Conference for the Study of Economic Problems and Developing Countries on 8 July, 1966’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 8 (1966), pp. 34-36.

• ‘Dialogue with Roman Catholics about contemporary Christian social Thought : Report at the plenum of the Conference "Church and Society"’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 9 (1966), pp. 70-75.

• ‘Speech at a Reception on the Occasion of the End of the Meetings of the Working Committee of the WCC Commission "Faith and Order" on 31 August, 1966’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 10 (1966), pp. 37-38.

• ‘Speech at a ceremonial Act at the Leningrad Theological Academy on the Feast of St. John the Theologian on 9 October, 1966’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 12 (1966), pp. 30-33.

• ‘Speech at the plenary Session of the Advisory Committee of the Christian Peace Conference in Sofia on 18 October, 1966’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 12 (1966), pp. 50-51.

• ‘Speech at a Reception given by His Holiness Patriarch Kirill and the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Church in Honour of the Participants in the Session of the Advisory Committee for the Continuation of the KMK's Work on October 22, 1966’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 12 (1966), pp. 52-53.

• ‘Speech at the Presentation of the Bishop's Staff to Bishop Michael of Tikhvin’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 1 (1967).

• ‘Speech at the Third Congress of the Peaceful Movement of the Catholic Clergy of Czechoslovakia on 24 November, 1966’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 1 (1967), pp. 47-49.

• ‘An important Milestone in Ecumenism from the report to His Holiness Patriarch Alexy and the Holy Synod on the World Conference "Church and Society"’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 2 (1967), pp. 1-7.

• ‘Speech at the Presentation of the Bishop's Staff to the Bishop of Podolsk Germogen’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 2 (1967).

• ‘Speech at the Second All-Union Conference of the Union of Soviet Societies for Friendship and Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries on 25 January, 1967’ “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 3 (1967), pp. 44-45.

• ‘Speech at the Opening of the Interview of Theologians of the Russian Orthodox Church and the Evangelical Church of the Federal Republic of Germany "Arnoldshain-III", 3 March, 1967’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 4 (1967), pp. 39-42.

• ‘Speech at a Reception at the Department for External Church Relations of the Evangelical Church of Germany in Frankfurt am Main, 5 March, 1967’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 4 (1967), pp. 43-44.

• ‘Some Materials for clarifying the Text "You are already purified through the word that I have preached to you" [John 15:3] : Report read on 6 March, 1967 at "Arnoldshain-III"’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 4 (1967), pp. 44-49.

• ‘Greetings to the Clergy and Flock of the Intercession and Nikolskaya Orthodox Communities in Helsinki’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate” no. 5 (1967), p. 7.

• ‘Speech at a Reception in Honour of His Holiness Kirill, Patriarch of Bulgaria on 8 June, 1967’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 7 (1967), pp. 8-11.

• ‘Welcome Speech delivered in Nicosia’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 7 (1967).

• ‘Speech at a Reception for Archbishop Macarius of Cyprus’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 8 (1967).

• ‘Welcome Speech delivered in the Church of the Annunciation in Faneromeni, Nicosia at the End of the Liturgy on Sunday, 21 May, 1967’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 8 (1967), pp. 17-18.

• ‘Speech at a Reception with His Beatitude Archbishop Macarius of Cyprus, President of the Republic of Cyprus, in the presidential Palace at Dinner on 22 May, 1967’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 8 (1967), pp. 18-19.

• ‘Welcome Speech delivered in the Cathedral of Paphos at the End of the Liturgy on Sunday, 28 May, 1967’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 8 (1967), pp. 19-21.

• ‘Speech at a Reception with Metropolitan Gennady of Paf at a Dinner on 28 May 28, 1967’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 8 (1967), pp. 21-22.

• ‘Speech at a Reception with His Beatitude Archbishop Macarius of Cyprus, President of the Republic of Cyprus, at the presidential Palace at Dinner on 30 May, 1967’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 8 (1967), pp. 23-24.

• ‘Speech at the Opening of the Meeting of the Working Committee of the Christian Peace Conference in the Trinity-Sergius Lavra on 2 July, 1967’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 8 (1967), pp. 49-51.

• ‘Speech at a Reception at the End of the Session of the Working Committee of the Christian Peace Conference on 5 July, 1967’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 8 (1967), pp. 51-52.

• ‘Sermon at the Dormition Cathedral of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra on Sunday 2 July, 1967’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 11 (1967), pp. 35-37.

• ‘Congratulations on the 70th Birthday of His Holiness Pope Paul VI’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 11 (1967), p. 11.

• ‘Speech at an Act at the Leningrad Theological Academy and Seminary on the Feast day of St. John the Theologian’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 12 (1967).

• ‘Speech at the Anniversary Session of the Soviet Peace Committee in Leningrad’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 12 (1967).

• ‘Speech at the Presentation of the Bishop's Staff to Bishop Gideon of Smolensk and Vyazemsk’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 12 (1967).

• ‘Greetings at the solemn Service in the Palace Church of Wittenberg, GDR, 31 October, 1967 on the Occasion of the 450th Anniversary of the Reformation’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 1 (1968).

• ‘Speech at a Reception in Wittenberg on the Occasion of the 450th Anniversary of the Reformation’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 1 (1968).

• ‘Speech at the Presentation of the Bishop's Staff to Bishop Nicholas of Tokyo and Japan’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 2 (1968).

• ‘Words after Vespers on Forgiveness Sunday on 12 March, 1967)’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 3 (1968), pp. 20-22.

• ‘Speech when visiting the Brethren Ministry Centre, USA’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 3 (1968).

• ‘Speech at an official Reception at the Headquarters of the Church of the Brethren, USA’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 3 (1968).

• ‘Speech at a special Meeting at the Bethany Theological Seminary’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 3 (1968).

• ‘Speech at the Opening of the Consultation of the Commission "Faith and Church Order" on 17 March, 1968’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 4 (1968).

• ‘Congratulations on Re-election to His Beatitude Macarius, President of the Republic of Cyprus’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 5 (1968), p. 4.

• ‘A Word at the Divine Liturgy on 28 January, 1968’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 6 (1968).

• ‘Statement at the Pan-Orthodox Conference in Geneva’ in "One Church", no. 6 (1968).

• ‘Speech at the Pan-Orthodox Conference in Geneva’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 7 (1968).

• ‘Speech at the Closing of the Third All Christian Peace Congress’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 9 (1968).

• ‘The Russian Orthodox Church and the Ecumenical Movement : Report in the Conference Hall of Uppsala University’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 9 (1968).

• ‘A Word at the Service at the plenary Meeting of the Participants of the Fourth General Assembly of the All-Union Central Council’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 9 (1968).

• ‘Greetings to Dr. S. L. Bowman’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 12 (1968).

• On the Tasks of modern Theology’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 12 (1968).

• ‘Speech at the Presentation of the Bishop's Staff to Bishop Peter of Korsun’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 12 (1968).

• ‘50th Anniversary of the Restoration of the Patriarchate in the Russian Orthodox Church : Report at the jubilee Meeting at the MDA on 28 May, 1968’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate, 1968, Special Issue”, pp. 19-34.

• ‘Condolences on the Death of His Beatitude Porfiry III, Archbishop of Sinai and Raifa toHis Eminence Archimandrite Gregory Maniathopoulos, Representative of the Sinai Archdiocese’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 1 (1969), p. 2.

• ‘Greetings to the Parish of the Dormition Cathedral in Helsinki on the Centenary of the Consecration of the Cathedral’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 1 (1969).

• ‘Speech on the jubilee Act of the Union of Orthodox Students of Finland’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 1 (1969).

• ‘Words spoken in the St. Nicholas Cathedral of the Epiphany’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 2 (1969).

• ‘Speech at the Meeting on the Conference of Followers of All Religions in the USSR for Cooperation and Peace between Nations on 21 December, 1968’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 2 (1969).

• ‘Cardinal Augustine Bea’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 2 (1969).

• ‘Speech at the Presentation of the Bishop's Staff to Bishop German of Tikhvin’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 2 (1969).

• ‘Sermon delivered in the Church of the Disciples of Christ in Tulsa, USA’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 4 (1969).

• ‘Speech at the Presentation of the Bishop's Staff to Bishop Mark of San Francisco’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 5 (1969).

• ‘In a Sky-high Country – Chile’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 5 (1969), pp. 18-21.

• ‘Greetings to the General Board of the National Council of Churches of Christ in Memphis, USA on 22 January, 1969’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 5 (1969), pp. 49-50.

• ‘At the Uppsala Assembly of the World Council of Churches’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, nos. 5-6 (1969).

• ‘Words for Easter’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 6 (1969).

• ‘Equal to the Apostles’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 6 (1969).

• ‘The great Deed of the holy Brothers’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 6 (1969).

• ‘Missionary Work of St. Cyril among the Khozars’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 7 (1969).

• ‘Rede vor der Festversammiung in Sofia (Speech at the festive Meeting in Honour of St. Cyril, Equal to the Apostles in Sofia)’ in “Stimme der Orthodoxie”, no. 7 (1969).

• ‘Report at the Conference of Representatives of All Religions in the USSR for Cooperation and Peace between Nations on 1 July 1, 1969’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 8 (1969).

• ‘The Message of the Brethren of the Panteleimon monastery on Mount Athos on 6 August, 1969’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 11 (1969), pp. 2-4.

• ‘Speech at the Opening of Interviews at the Leningrad Theological Academy on 12 September, 1969’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 11 (1969).

• ‘Report to the fourth theological Interviews between Representatives of the Evangelical Lutheran and Russian Orthodox Churches : Cooperation between baptized and non-Christians in joint Service for the Good of Mankind’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 3 (1970), pp. 74-79.

• ‘Answers to the Questions of the Editor of the Magazine "Christian Peace Conference", Dr. Jiri Svoboda’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 3 (1970), pp. 36-37 & no. 4, p. 47.

• ‘Speech at a Meeting with Professors and Students of the Theological College in Addis Ababa on 5 November, 1969 : On the Question of the Convergence of Chalcedonian and non-Chalcedonian Theology in their Perception of the patristic Christological Doctrine’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 4 (1970), pp. 55-60.

• ‘Answers to the Questions of the Correspondent of the Italian newspaper “Corriere della Sera”, Mr. Pietro Sormani’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 5 (1970), pp. 25-26.

• ‘Pope John XXIII’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 7 (1970), pp. 71-74.

• ‘Opening Remarks at the KMK Consultation on European Security’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 8 (1971).

• ‘Zur Aufhebung des Kirchenbannes uber die Altglaubigen (Towards the Lifting of Church Sanctions against Old Believers)’ in “Stimme der Orthodoxie”, no. 8 (1971).

• ‘Speech at the Presentation of the Otto Nuschke gold Medal by the Chairman of the CDU of the GDR, Mr. Götting, on 26 July, 1970’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 8 (1970), pp. 42-43.

• ‘Speech at the Presentation of the Bishop's Staff to Bishop Macarius of Uman’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 8 (1970), pp. 11-15.

• ‘Speech at the Presentation of the Bishop's Staff to Bishop Meliton of Tikhvin’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 9 (1970), pp. 22-26.

• ‘Welcome Telegram to the Abbot of the Russian Panteleimon Monastery on Holy Mount Athos, Archimandrite Ilian’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 10 (1970), p. 3.

• ‘Condolences on the Death of the Primate of the Church of Antioch to 0His Eminence Locum tenens of the Patriarchal Throne of Antioch, Metropolitan Elijah of Aleppo’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 11 (1970), p 3.

• ‘Speech at the Meeting of the KMK working Committee in Budapest on 29 Sept. - 1 Oct., 1970)’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 11 (1970), pp. 27-31.

• ‘Speech at the one-year act at the Leningrad Theological Academy’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 12 (1970).

• ‘Speech at a Meeting of the Working Group in Budapest on 29 September, 1970 : Prospects for KMK’ in "SRS", nos. 32-33 (1970).

• ‘19th Week after Pentecost : Sermon delivered in the Evangelical Church of the Village of Nieder-Oli near Mainz, Germany on 25 October, 1970)’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 1 (1971), pp. 35-37.

• ‘Speech at the Meeting of the regional Group of KMK in Mainz, Germany, 23 October. 1970 : Abstract "Coexistence and Convergence"’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 1 (1971), pp. 40-42 ; no. 2, pp. 44-46.

• ‘Coexistence or Convergence ?’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 2 (1971).

• ‘Report at the Consultations of the KMK with Roman Catholic Leaders’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 3 (1971), pp. 37-42.

• ‘For the Anniversary of the Death of His Holiness Patriarch Alexy : A quarter of a Century on the Patriarchal Throne’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 4 (1971), pp. 15-18.

• ‘Words spoken after Vespers in the Nikolo-Epiphany Cathedral of Leningrad on 7 January, 1971’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 4 (1971), pp. 36-39.

• ‘Words for Easter pronounced in the St. Nicholas Epiphany Cathedral in Leningrad during the Easter evening on April 20, 1971’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 5 (1971), pp. 26-30.

• ‘Ecumenical Activity of the Russian Orthodox Church, Co-report at the Local Council on 31 May, 1971’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 7 (1971), pp. 27-44.

• ‘Report at the Local Council of the Russian Orthodox Church on 31 May, 1971 : On the Abolition of Oaths to old Rites’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 7 (1971), pp. 63-73 & 2 June, 1972.

• ‘Speech at the Bishops' Meeting at the Novodevichy Convent in Moscow on 28 May, 1971’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 8 (1971), pp. 22-24.

• ‘Greetings to the honoured Guests of the Local Council on 30 May, 1971’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 8 (1071), pp. 34-36.

• ‘Remarks at the Opening of the Meeting of the Heads of five working Groups of the Fourth All Christian Peace Congress, dedicated to its Preparation on 22 April, 1971’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 8 (1971), pp. 61-63.

• ‘Remarks at the Opening of the KMK Consultation on European Security in Warsaw on 11 June, 1971’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 8 (1971), pp. 63-65.

• ‘Remarks at the Opening of the Fourth All Christian Peace Congress on 30 September, 1971’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 11 (1971), pp. 54-55.

• ‘Closing Remarks at the Fourth All Christian Peace Congress on 3 October, 1971’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 11 (1971), pp. 55-56.

• ‘A Message to the Heads of Old Believer Churches and Communities’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 12 (1971), pp. 8-9.

• ‘Answers to the Questions of the Editor of the Journal "Christian Peace Conference", Dr. Jiri Svoboda’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate’, no. 12 (1971), p. 48.

• ‘Keynote speech at the Fourth CMC on September 30, 1971 : Christian Responsibility for a Better World’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 1 (1972), pp. 40-47 & no. 2, pp. 33-40.

• ‘On the 80th Birthday of Pastor Dr. Martin Niemöller’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 1 (1972), pp. 47-48.

• ‘Welcome Speech at a Reception hosted by the Holy Synod of the Greek Church in Honour of the Guests who arrived to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Liberation of Greece given on 3 May, 1971’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 1 (1972), pp. 49-50.

• ‘Speech at the Opening of the Second Theological Interview of Representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 2 (1972), pp. 49-53.

• ‘Speech at the Opening of the Meeting of the KMK Working Committee in New Delhi on 9 March, 1972’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 5 (1972), pp. 44-47.

• ‘Speech at the Presentation of the Bishop's Staff to Bishop Chrysostomus of Zaraysk’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 6 (1972), pp. 16-19.

• ‘Speech at the Assembly of Public Forces for Security and Cooperation in Europe in Brussels, 2-5 June, 1972’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 8 (1972), pp. 45-46.

• ‘Welcome Speech to the Participants of the Meeting of the Theological Commission of the KMK on 12-14 September, 1972’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 10 (1972), pp. 43-45.

• Speech at the Opening of the Meeting of the KMK Working Committee in Espu’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 11 (1972).

• ‘Speech at the Opening of the Orthodox Reformed Theological Academy on 18 September, 1972 in Debrecen, Hungary : “Tradition and Modernity”’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 12 (1972), pp. 54-59.

• ‘Prayer at the End of the Meeting of the KMK Working Committee in Helsinki’ in "SRS", no. 40 (1972).

• ‘Speech at the Pre-Council Meeting’ in “Collection : Local Council of the Russian Orthodox Church, 30 May - 2 June, 1971".

• ‘Greetings to the honourary Guests of the Local Council’ in “Collection : Local Council of the Russian Orthodox Church 30 May - 2 June, 1971, Documents, Materials, Chronicles”, Moscow, 1972.

• ‘Speech at the Presentation to His Holiness Patriarch Pimen’ in “Collection : Local Council of the Russian Orthodox Church 30 May - 2 June, 1971, Documents, Materials, Chronicles”, Moscow, 1972.

• Speech at the Presentation of the Patriarchal Staff to His Holiness Patriarch Pimen’ in “Collection : Local Council of the Russian Orthodox Church 30 May -2 June, 1971, Documents, Materials, Chronicles”, Moscow, 1972.

• ‘Greetings to the Participants of the KMK International Peace Seminar on European Security on 3 November, 1972’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 1 (1973), pp. 42-43.

• ‘Word spoken in the Trinity Cathedral of Leningrad after Vespers on 9 January, 1973’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 3 (1973), pp. 33-36.

• ‘Predigt zum Sonntag der Vergebung (Word on Forgiveness Sunday)’ in “Stimme der Orthodoxie, no. 3 (1973).

• ‘Speech at the first Meeting of the KMK Working Committee on 20 March, 1973’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 5 (1973), pp. 36-40.

• ‘Report at the Opening of the Meeting of the Committee for the Continuation of the Work of the KMK on 25 May, 1973’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate” no. 8 (1973), pp. 32-38.

• ‘Speech at the Opening of the Discussion between Representatives of the Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches on 4 June, 1973’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 8 (1973), pp. 56-58.

• ‘Address to the Participants of the Meeting of the KMK Working Committee in Cedar Glen, Canada on 21 September, 1973’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 11 (1973), pp. 49-50.

• ‘Report on theological Discussions "Arnoldshain-V" : Cross and Resurrection in Orthodox Worship’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 5 (1974), pp. 53-59.

• ‘Message to the Participants of the Session of the KMK Working Committee in Prague on 11 March, 1974’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 6 (1974), pp. 44.

• ‘Lecture at the University of Helsinki on 9 May, 1974. “The Holy Eucharist : the Sacrament of the Life of the Church (Eucharist and Ecclesiology)”’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 8 (1974), pp. 23-29.

• ‘Words on the patriarchal Name-day on 9 September, 1974’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 11 (1974), pp. 9-10.

• ‘A Message to the Archpastors, Pastors and Children of the Russian Orthodox Church who are in Communion with the Moscow Patriarchal See, and to all Orthodox Russian people in West Germany’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 3 (1975), pp. 10-12.

• ‘Introductory Remarks to the Theological Consultation in West Berlin’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 4 (1975).

• ‘Greetings to the Participants of the Meeting of the KMK Youth Commission’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 5 (1975), p. 48.

• ‘Closing Remarks and Prayer at the Session of KOPR-KMK’ in "SRS", nos. 50-51 (1975).

• ‘Speech at the Presentation of the Bishop's Staff to Bishop Anthony of Stavropol and Baku’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 11 (1975), pp. 16-19.

• ‘Lecture given at the Sofia Spiritual Academy on 25 November, 1974 : St. Clement of Ohridski in Russian Literature’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 2 (1975), pp. 14-17.

• ‘Epistle of the Patriarchal Exarch of Western Europe, Metropolitan of Leningrad and Novgorod Nikodim’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 3 (1975).

• ‘Introductory Remarks to the theological Consultation in West Berlin’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 4 (1975).

• ‘Greetings to the Participants of the Meeting of the KMK Youth Commission’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 5 (1975).

• ‘Jesus Christ liberates and unites’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 5 (1975).

• ‘Speech at the preparatory Meeting of Representatives of the WCC and Delegates of Christian Churches from the USSR’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 6 (1975).

• Speech at the opening of the session of the KMK Working Committee in Sofia. // Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate. 1975. - No. 6. - S. 34-36.

• ‘Speech given at the preparatory Meeting of Representatives of the WCC and Delegates of Christian Churches from the USSR, 21 April, 1975’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 7 (1975), pp. 39-40.

• ‘Information and Analysis of theological and pastoral Trends in the Church after the Meeting in Zagorsk in 1973 : “The Changing World”’ [The report was read at the 4th meeting of theologians of the Moscow Patriarchate and the Roman Catholic Church in Trento on 24 June, 1975] in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 10 (1975), pp. 56-60.

• ‘Speech at the Presentation of the archpastoral Staff to Bishop Anthony of Stavropol and Baku’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 11 (1975), pp. 16-19.

• ‘Closing Remarks and Prayer at the Session of the Committee for the Continuation of the Work of the KMK in Siofok’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 12 (1975), pp. 45-46.

• ‘Blessed Jubilee’ in “Theological Works”, no. 13 (1975), pp. 5-7

• ‘La liberte de conscience en URSS (Freedom of Conscience in the USSR)’ in “Les nouvelles de Moscou” (“Moscow News”), no. 5 (1976) [1535].

• ‘Speech at the Presentation of the Bishop's Staff to Bishop Yuvenaly (Tarasov) 16 Nov. 1975’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate” no. 2 (1976), pp. 8-11.

• ‘Speech at the Presentation of the Bishop's Staff to Bishop Yuvenaly of Voronezh and Lipetsk’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 2 (1976).

• ‘Speech at the Opening of the Meetings of the KMK Working Committee in New Windsor’ in “SRS”, no. 53 (1976).

• ‘Speech at the Opening of the Meetings of the Working Committee in Bad Saarov, GDR’ in “SRS”, nos. 54-55 (1976).

• ‘Words after Vespers in the Trinity Cathedral in Leningrad on 9 January, 1976’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 4 (1976), pp. 41-44.

• ‘Incarnation, and the Responsibility of a Christian’ in “One Church”, no. 6 (1976).

• ‘Speech at the Presentation of the Bishop's Staff to Bishop Kirill (Gundyaev) on 14 March, 1976’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 6 (1976), pp. 8-12.

• ‘Words given after Vespers on April 27, 1976, on the third day after Easter, in the Trinity Cathedral of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 7 (1976), p. 35.

• ‘Speech at the Opening of the Meeting of the KMK Working Committee in Bad Saarov in October 1976’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 12 (1976), pp. 46-48.

• ‘KMK's Appeal to member Churches, regional Committees and Members of the Christian Peace Conference’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 12 (1976), p. 49.

• ‘Speech at the Opening of the Orthodox Reformed Discussions in Leningrad, 20-24 October, 1976’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 1 (1977), p. 63.

• ‘30th Anniversary of the Revival of the Leningrad Theological Academy and Seminary’ [given at the ceremonial Act on 9 October, 1976 at the LDA] in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 3 (1977), pp. 10-15.

• ‘Message to the UN Secretary General on 17 December, 1976’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 3 (1977), p. 33.

• ‘Appeal to all Churches and Groups, Members of the KMK and ecumenical Bodies, Institutions and Organizations cooperating with the KMK’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 4 (1977), p. 34.

• ‘Greetings to the Clergy and Flock of the Intercession and Nikolskaya Communities in Finland on the Occasion of their 50th Anniversary’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 6 (1977), p. 6.

• ‘Address to the Participants of the Meeting of the KMK Working Committee in Limuru, Kenya, 22-23 April, 1977’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 6 (1977), p. 30.

• ‘Message to the Members of the KMK Working Committee 18 April, 1977’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 7 (1977), p. 40.

• ‘Speech at the Presentation of the Bishop's Staff to Bishop Isidor of Arkhangelsk (Kirichenko), 19 June, 1977’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 9 (1977), p. 10.

• ‘Letter to the Director of the World Mission and Evangelization Commission of the WCC, Dr. Emilio Castro’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 9 (1977), p. 60-62.

• ‘Epistle to the Archbishop of Karelia and All Finland Pavel on the Occasion of the Consecration of the Church at New Valaam and the 800th Anniversary of the Valaam Monastery’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 10 (1977).

• ‘Message from His Eminence Pavel, Archbishop of Karelia and all Finland’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 10 (1977), p. 55.

• ‘Notification of the Canonization of St. Innocent to Archbishop Cyprian of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 1 (1978), p. 9.

• ‘Speech at a Ceremony at the Leningrad Theological Academy on 9 October, 1977’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 1 (1978), pp. 42-45.

• ‘Message to the Participants of the African Christian Peace Conference’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 3 (1978). p. 38.

• ‘Letter regarding the Documents of the Mixed Theological Commission, 17 August, 1977’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 3 (1978), p. 62.

• ‘Greetings to the Participants of the Meeting of the KMK Youth Commission in Leningrad on 1 December, 1977’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 3 (1978), p. 39.

• ‘Grufiwort an die CFK-Jugendkommission (Greetings from the Youth Commission of the KMK)’ in “Stimme der Orthodoxie”, no. 3 (1978).

• ‘Words at the Presentation of the Bishop's Staff to Bishop Chrysanthus of Kirov and Sloboda on 23 April, 1978’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 7 (1978), p. 11.

• ‘Speech at the Opening of the Congress "God's Call for Solidarity - Christians for Peace, Justice and Liberation"’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 9, (1978), pp. 28-34.

• ‘Speech at the Opening of the ceremonial Meeting dedicated to the 60th Anniversary of the Restoration of the Patriarchate’ with reference to the Publication “Anniversary Celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the Restoration of the Patriarchate in 1978” (Moscow : Ed. Moscow Patriarchate, 1979).

• ‘History of the Russian Spiritual Mission in Jerusalem’ in “Theological Works”, no. 20 (1979), pp. 15-82.

• ‘John XXIII, Pope of Rome’ in “Theological Works”, no. 20 (1979), pp. 83-240.

• The 1979 issue of “Theological Works” is dedicated to Metropolitan Nikodim of Leningrad and Novgorod (+ September 5, 1978). (Moscow : Publishing of the Moscow Patriarchate, 1979).

• “Pope John XXIII” (Vienna : Pro Oriente Foundation, 1984), Master's Dissertation, 665 pages.

• ‘Russian Orthodox Church and the Ecumenical Movement at the 4th Assembly of the WCC on 5 July, 1968’ in “Church and Time”, no. 4 (1998)(7), pp. 39-54

• ‘Word on the Day of Commemoration of the holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 8 (2003), pp. 76-83.

• ‘Words and Speeches from different Years’ in “Church and Time” (Scientific-theological and Church-social Journal : Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate)”, no. 4 (2004) (29), pp. 11-126

Liturgical texts

• ‘Service to the holy righteous Tabitha (commemoration on the Week of the paralyzed and 25 October, Old Style)’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 2 (1963), pp. 73-80.

• ‘Service to the holy righteous John of Russia, Confessor’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 11 (1967), pp. 73-79.

• ‘Troparion and Kontakion to all the Saints who shone in the Yaroslavl and Rostov Dioceses’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 11 (1967).

• ‘Troparion to All Holy Hierarchs of Rostov’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 11 (1967).

• ‘Service to all the Saints who shone forth in the Yaroslavl and Rostov Dioceses’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 10 (1969), pp. 87-95.

• ‘Troparion to Saint Nicholas Equal-to-the-Apostles, Archbishop of Japan’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 11 (1970) ; no. 4 (1971).

• ‘Service to Saint Nicholas Equal-to-the-Apostles, Archbishop of Japan’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, no. 5 (1978).

References

Moscow Patriarchate biography

Moscow Patriarchate biography (in Russian)

Russian Wikipedia biography

Russian Wikipedia biography (in Russian)

Wikipedia biography

Drevo Encyclopaedia biography

Orthodoxwiki biography

Nikodim (Rotov) (1929–1978), Metropolitan of Leningrad and Novgorod 1963–1978' in "Encyclopaedia of Saint Petersburg".

'Ecumenical Russian : Boris Nikodim' in "The New York Times" (6 July 1968), p. 4.

Additional information :

Andrew, Christopher and Mitrokhin, Vasili, ‘The Mitrokhin Archive and the Secret History of the KGB’ in “The Sword and the Shield” (New York : Basic Books, 2000), p. 487. ISBN 978-0465010035.

Chiron, Yves, “Paul VI: Le pape écartelé” (Paris : Librairie Académique Perrin, 1993), pp. 186 & 246. ISBN 2-262-00952-X.

Galkin, A, 'The Land of the Native, Fields like the Holy Calendar [...] The Canonisation of the Saints under Metropolitan Nikodim' in "Living Water" ("St. Petersburg Church Herald"), no. 9 (2008), pp. 49-53.

(Gundyaev), Patriarch Kirill, “Words on the Occasion of the 80th Anniversary of the Birth of Metropolitan Nikodim (Rotov)” (15 October, 2009)

Makeeva, Daria, “Activities of the Metropolitan Nikodim (Rotov) of Leningrad and Novgorod to establish a dialogue between the ROC (MP) and heterodox Churches” (2014)

Meyendorff, Prof. Paul, "Fr John Meyendorff and the Autocephaly of the OCA" (2012), with reference to the work of Metropolitan Nikodim.

(Nikitin), Archimandrite Augustine, “The captive Church : Metropolitan Nikodim (1929-1978) and his Era (in the memoirs of his contemporaries)” (St Petersburg : St Petersburg University Press, 2008). ISBN : 978-5-288-04772-5.

Pashkov, Priest Nikolai, “In Memory of His Eminence Nikodim”

Pospielovsky, Dimitry, “The Russian Church Under the Soviet Regime 1917-1982”, 2 vols. (Crestwood, NY : St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 1984).

“(Poyarkov), Metropolitan Juvenal, comp., “The Man of the Church” (Moscow Diocese, 1999), 2nd edition. [The book "Man of the Church" (second edition) dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the death and 70th anniversary of the birth of His Eminence Metropolitan Nikodim of Leningrad and Novgorod, Patriarchal Exarch of Western Europe. Moscow, Moscow diocese, 1999].

Sorokin, Archpriest Vladimir, “Metropolitan Nikodim (Rotov) : Orthodox theologian in the era of socialism : on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of his birth from the theological heritage of Metropolitan Nikodim of Leningrad and Novgorod for 1956-1967” (St Peterburg : Prince Vladimir Cathedral, 2009). ISBN : 978-5-94813-014-9.

Tarasar, Constance J, ed., "Orthodox America 1794-1976 : Development of The Orthodox Church in America" (Syosset, NY : The Orthodox Church in America Department of History and Archives, 1975). ASIN : B000ZLZAUE.

Weigel, George, “The End and the Beginning: Pope John Paul II – The Victory of Freedom, the Last Years, the Legacy” (New York : Image Books (formerly Doubleday and also Random House), 2011). ISBN-13 : 978-0385524803.

80th birthday panikhida in Dusseldorf, Germany, 2009

"Towards the Holy and Great Council : a comprehensive Timeline"

History of the Department of External Church Relations (DECR)

Russian Wikipedia article about A L Kazem-Bek

‘Interview with Paul-Joseph Schmitt, Archbishop of Metz’ in “Le Lorrain” (9 March, 1963)

"Mystagogy" article about the events of the repose of Metropolitan Nikodim

‘Russian Archbishop Dies During Papal Audience’ in the “Pittsburgh Post-Gazette” (6 September, 1978), p. 6.

Archbishop Victor : "No matter how anyone regards the actions of Vladyka, I define them as a confession, as of a passion-bearer"

"Seven weeks of Metropolitan Nikodim" by Archimandrite Augustine (Nikitin)

'Why did you love Rome, Vladyka Nikodim ?' by Nikolay Kaverin in "Blagodatnyi Ogon Orthodox Journal", no. 12

Video : life and repose of Metropolitan Nikodim (Rotov) (in Russian)

Video : Patriarch Kirill (Gundyaev) at 2018 Panikhida at the grave of Metropolitan Nikodim (Rotov) (in Russian/Slavonic)

Video about Metropolitan Nikodim (Rotov) (in Russian)

Patriarch Alexei I (Simansky)

Metropolitan Elias (Muawad)

Patriarch Pimen (Izvekov)

Patriarch Aleksey II (Ridiger)

Patriarch Kirill (Gundyaev)

Metropolitan Nicholas (Yarushevich)

Metropolitan Isidore (Myrsiadis)

Bishop Bartholomew (Gondarovskiy)

Archbishop Dimitriy (Gradusov)

Bishop Basil of Sergiopolis (Resafa)

Bishop Stefan (Nikitin)

"Servant of God and of the People : 40th Anniversary of the Repose of Metropolitan Nikodim (Rotov)" (2018)

Vido : The most important Soviet bishop ((2024)