Yeah, right, this is the first time there has been an independent Patriach (except for 1917-1921) since Peter the Great. But figures, you've got to sneak one in.
Pre-petrine patriarchs (w/exception of Philaret, who was the father of tsar Michael I) were not independent. Hermogenes could be considered independent only due to temporary collapse of secular authority during the Time of Troubles. When Nikon tried to assert himself, what his "independence" was worth was demonstrated in his dismissal.
And as for the current one:
Shchedrin: " ...And those tears of his were crocodile tears, and his repentance was that of an asp".