BUCHAREST (AFP)---The late patriarch of Romania’s Orthodox Church, Teoctist I, belonged in the 1930s to an anti-Semitic group that attacked synagogues in Bucharest, documents published Wednesday alleged.

The documents, published in the Cotidianul newspaper, echoed similar accusations made against the recently deceased cleric a few years ago by two Romanian historians.

"Information gathered in his file shows that (Teoctist) took part in Iron Guard activities and even participated in the rebellion" organised by the fascist group in January 1941, according to the documents, written in 1988 and found in the archives of Romania’s former ruling Communist party.

Some 120 Jews were killed and some 20 synagogues smashed in the rebellion.

Orthodox Church spokesman Costel Stoica rejected the allegations, calling them an "attempt to smear a man who can no longer defend himself."

He said the accusations had been made "under pressure" in 1949 by a priest who was being investigated by political police, and that later research had proved them to be mere "fabrication."

Two Romanian historians alleged a few years ago, again citing documents, that Teoctist had taken part in the sacking of a Bucharest synagogue.

The news media in Romania is closely examining the past of several candidates to take over from Teoctist, who died in July at the age of 92 after a heart attack. His successor will be elected on September 12.