Patriarch Alexy II was the head of the Russian Orthodox Church from 1990 until his death in 2008. Born in 1929, he played a significant role in the church's revival after the fall of the Soviet Union. His leadership emphasized the importance of faith in Russian society and sought to strengthen the church's influence both domestically and internationally. During his tenure, Alexy II worked to improve relations with other Christian denominations and promoted dialogue with the Roman Catholic Church. He also focused on social issues, advocating for moral values and the role of the church in public life, which helped to re-establish the church's position in post-Soviet Russia.