Reunion in Moscow

One of the first acts of the Bolshevik Government in 1918 was to whittle down the influence of the Russian Orthodox Church. The Church was soon split into feuding factions. Biggest chip off the old flock was the schismatic, Bolshevik-supported Living Church whose heresiarch was Alexander Vedensky, formerly an Archpriest (a Russian clerical rank one step higher than a priest). Later Vedensky split with the Living Church, finally participated in an ecclesiastical fusion called the New Church. But as the Soviet Government's flirtation with the Orthodox Church got under way, Vedensky dropped out of sight, in the Russian fashion. And when the Soviet Government restored the Patriarchate (TIME, Sept. 13), it was clear that the New Church did not have long to live.

Last week's Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate described the funeral rites, hitherto unreported by the Russian press. The New Church passed away peacefully early this spring: in an elaborate ecclesiastical ceremony, Patriarch Sergei absolved the repentant Vedensky (who had reappeared for the occasion) of his schismatic sins, kissed him on both cheeks, welcomed him as a brother in good standing back to the Russian Orthodox fold.

Back to the fold with Vedensky came seven of Moscow's chief New Churches (among them the important Voskresensky and Troitsky Cathedrals). Back to Vedensky went his clerical perquisites, including a promotion to bishop. Back to his long poker game with the Soviet Government went Patriarch Sergei. The Russian Orthodox Church was again united.

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