Yes, but it is the fact that an overzealous functionary attempted to hide the a 30,000 Euro watch, (in an attempt to please his superiors no doubt) and failed. Clerics need watches, obviously, but are we no different from the Papacy?

This kind of method - of doctoring of a photograph - is a long tradition in Russian history, and it seems that the moscow patriarchate has learnt little, sadly.
But I do realise how touchy some Russians are about their past...
By A Russian Orthodox, of Russian descent,

Ah yes, this goes back to the days of the alleged Potemkin Villages, does it not?

Christ is Risen!! Indeed He is Risen!!

Is that all we have to worry about in this world? No wonder Christians are renowned for backbiting each other rather than building each other up.

Do I care if His Holiness has an expensive watch? No. What difference does it make? I really don't care if he pops his Panagia open to reveal a pocket watch mounted inside. He needs a time piece. So what. And if his press department photoshops his pictures--so what about that, too.

Come on people. Show a modicum of respect. No wonder we have a clergy shortage.

All of us have to answer to the Lord for what we have and do with what we have--whether goods, talents, or whatever. Let's leave His Holiness alone.

Bob

Now picked up by the Financial Times:

Unorthodox Behavior

For those keeping track, 20 million rubles is $675,000.

So someone bought him a watch. very nice of them. It would be rude not to wear it.

I don't get the coverup, though.

the nuns at our parish growing up always hadw a Cadillac--that's what the man who donated the cars to them had a dealership in and could provide.

I liked my own pocket watches (I go nuts wearing a wristwatch; too easy to check)--rit until I needed to put on glasses to read them!

hawk