Bishop Nikolai steps down as ruling hierarch of Alaska

Alaska Russian Orthodox Church bishop is leaving

Associated Press - May 2, 2008 12:54 PM ET

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - The leader of the Alaska Russian Orthodox Church is stepping down. Bishop Nikolai Soraich says he will leave the state within a week. The bishop has been at the center of a growing divide within the Alaska church, and some parishioners had asked church officials for his removal. Yesterday, Bishop Nikolai told KTUU-TV that he is leaving, so the Alaska church may heal, and move forward. The bishop says, despite his departure, he still cares about the Alaska church. He says he now plans to travel the West Coast to visit with family and friends.