World/AP
Greek, Russian Orthodox patriarchs, vying for unity, lead joint prayers
Associated Press
07/06/09 9:20 AM EDT
ISTANBUL, TURKEY — Newly elected Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill has led Sunday prayers with Istanbul Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I in a show of unity.
The churches in Istanbul and Moscow have been jostling for influence for years, but recently have pledged to overcome differences and achieve greater unity.
Orthodox churches are largely autonomous, but the Istanbul-based Patriarchate is considered first among equals. The Russian Orthodox Church claims 95 million out of the world's 250 million Orthodox and is the largest in the world.
Bartholomew says the two churches "have had problems" but that ties remain cordial.
Kirill was elected in January as the successor to Moscow Patriarch Alexy II, who died in December.
