How is the Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus’ elected?

Anna Popova

May 07 2025

Komsomolskaya Pravda / Global Look Press

During the election of a new Pope, parishioners eagerly await for white smoke billowing from the chimney above the Sistine Chapel and sigh in disappointment when they see black smoke, which means that the conclave is not over yet. This ceremony is centuries old. So, how do they elect the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church?

The modern procedure for electing the Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus’ was recorded relatively recently, in 2013. The fact is that, before the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution, the Holy Synod, which was subordinate to the emperor, was at the head of the church.

Georgy Petrusov / Sputnik

During the Soviet era, when the church was officially banned, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church was elected in different ways. For example, Patriarch Tikhon in 1917 was chosen by lot. And subsequent heads of the church – by simple voting.

Lev Nosov / Sputnik

In the 1990s, the procedure changed: Patriarchs Alexy II and Kirill were elected by secret ballot. This is the way it is done now. The Bishops' Council, which includes the heads of more than 300 dioceses, determines the candidates, from which the three with the most votes are chosen.

Ruslan Krivobok / Sputnik

After that, at the Local Council (which includes clergymen – metropolitans, rectors of theological seminaries and academies, monasteries, spiritual missions, heads of dioceses, Russian and foreign, as well as laymen – more than 700 people) in Moscow's Cathedral of Christ the Savior, a secret ballot is held, which determines the new Patriarch.

Ruslan Krivobok / Sputnik

A few days after the election, a solemn enthronement ceremony takes place – i.e. the inauguration of the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church. Like the Pope, the Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus’ is elected for life.