Does anyone know if the facts as presented in this article are true?
Seems very disturbing if it is true:

Patriarch Kyril and Doctored Photograph

I don't know if it is true. From what I can see of the watch it doesn't seem to be anything too flashy.

It's a $30,000 watch apparently.

I love how this is front page news for the NYT, by the way... ::rolls eyes::

It's obviously going to be used to the hilt against the Patriarch and the Russian Church's agenda.

And I must admit, I do wonder what a Patriarch needs with a watch that costs the same as a new Lexus? But mostly just regretful that he is now placed in this awkward situation.

Alexis

I am sure that His Holiness was given this as a gift.

There are so many wealthy people that like to give, not only charitable donations to hierarchy when asked, but also nice gifts.

A 30,000 Euro watch for someone who gives it as a gift is like a regular person giving a gift of a 100 dollar gift. Wealth is relative and let's not forget the unfathomable wealth that many Russians have today.

I remember once hearing that the late Christina Onassis once gave gold rolexes to each one of her invited guests at some event she held, as a party favor!

I really admire this Patriarch, and also President Putin who has given the Orthodox Church so much influence. When dissenters want to find things to say about people, they will find anything they can to destroy.

P.S. to my post above: I see no reason that the Pope or a Patriarch should not have an expensive watch and cufflinks if these were given as gifts to them (as I suspect, knowing the mindset of the Orthodox faithful).

It really is the only thing they wear on their person that isn't ecclisiastical, and they are useful.

I don't think that anyone would want to see the Pope or a Patriarch looking shabby. They hold high offices and positions of visibility.

Those who hate President Putin will also hate the Church, because he has done so much to help the Church, and because he loves the Church. He has a spiritual father/confessor for heaven's sake! How many powerful leaders, Orthodox or Catholic take their faith so seriously? (I am certain no Greek leaders do, as they are not believers in general--and then one wonders why they have destroyed their country!)

Lord have mercy and protect both President Putin and the Patriarch Kyril and the Orthodox Church of Russia.

I agree that it was probably a gift. I don't understand why people are using the watch to attack the Patriarch.

I do not think they are attacking the Patriarch. Gift or not, I think people are legitimately scandalized by what appears to be a personal extravagance. I find nothing uncharitable or unwarranted in that.

"Grant, O Lord, that I may see my own sins and not judge my neighbour, for You are blessed unto ages of ages."

We all gotta lot more to be concerned about than this issue over the Russian Patriarch's watch.

Strange. His Holiness denies even wearing the watch. Yet, there are photos showing that he has been wearing it.

This incident has caused parodies. Among them:

http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s463...331379114_n.jpg

http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s463/galludo1/AptO2mZCMAAETxj.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hph...691423458_n.jpg

http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s463/galludo1/Uw6Iw6TfFAs.jpg

My reaction is: who cares. If HH got a watch from someone, he should be able to wear it. If HH bought the watch, see above.

He may be a monk, but he does receive some sort of stipend for being patriarch of Moscow.

I'm so tired of the media's hyped attention to such things. Who wore what? Who wore it better? OMG, a clergyperson put on something expensive! What right does he have???

Yawn.

When it comes to Patriarch Kyrill, I'm much more interested in his sermons and interviews. He is a brilliant, very intelligent man.

If it were only the watch (and you are right - that in and of itself is not a big deal.) Why not just say say you have it and move on?

What the real problem is that he was caught in a lie - and this does not do the Church any good.

I remember vividly how on my dad's 50th anniversary of his Ordination and thirtieth year at our parish, that his friends from the parish and the community collected money and presented him with a beautiful new Lincoln. I would,to this day,shake my head with incredulity and walk away from anyone who would have either begrudged the generosity of his friends or criticized him for accepting their heartfelt gift.

Exactly.

The incident continues to attract attention:

Conger on the Missing Watch

I was hoping that some of our forum members would have the ability (and time) to investigate what the Russian media is saying about this.