Metropolitan Herman!!!!!!! Boy, if I were Alexei I'd stay far far away from that fellow.He's the last guy I'd want in my corner. If this is the best Moscow can do it hasn't anywhere near the influence (or common sense) I thought it did.
Does this seem to you more like the MP asking for his support or like Met Herman trying to appear relevant?
(Noting that press releases for the last 3 days have centered on a concelebrated MP-ROCOR liturgy to be held in Moscow TWICE)