In pictures: Kirill enthroned

Metropolitan Kirill of Smolensk and Kaliningrad has been enthroned as new leader of the Russian Orthodox Church at an elaborate ceremony in Moscow.

Hundreds of clergy in golden robes saw Kirill becoming the 16th patriarch in Moscow's most opulent church - the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour.

Kirill, 62, went through a number of changes of elaborate vestments during the nearly four-hour long ceremony that was broadcast live on Russia's TV channels.

Russia's top political leaders - President Dmitry Medvedev (left) and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin (right) - attended the ceremony.

Orthodox nuns and thousands of worshippers watched as Kirill was presented with the symbols of his new position - a dark robe and a mitre.

The new patriarch - who succeeded the late Patriarch Alexiy II - has played down the possibility of major reforms under his leadership.

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