Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia Alexy II had a behind-closed-doors meeting with representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad (RPTsZ) on Tuesday.
The meeting took place at the Patriarch's residence. The parties are expected to attempt to find a compromise over the approach to the solution of certain problems which remain an obstacle to a possible union between the two parts of the Russian Church.
Russian Orthodox Church Abroad representatives believe there are two main obstacles to union.
In their view, the Moscow Patriarchate should denounce the statement by Patriarch Sergy, dated 1927, about the Church's loyalty to the Soviet government, as well as the whole Sergianism.
The second obstacle is the participation of the Russian Orthodox Church in the ecumenical movement uniting all Christian confessions, including Catholics and Protestants.
Patriarch Alexy II, during 12 years of his office, repeatedly called for overcoming the Church split after the civil war, when part of the Russian clergy fled abroad.
In his view, there are no reasons today to remain isolated from each other. The Moscow Patriarchate is ready for rapprochement without making any demands.
However, the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad has many opponents to union. In this connection, there are apprehensions that a split may develop within its ranks.