Patriarch Kirill congratulated the Primates of the Ancient Eastern Churches on the occasion of the Nativity of Christ

His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia sent congratulatory messages to the Primates of the Ancient Eastern Churches celebrating the Nativity of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on January 7. The celebration of Christmas and Epiphany in the Armenian Apostolic Church, which is celebrated on January 6, was noted separately. In his addresses His Holiness expressed his heartfelt congratulations and deep wishes for peace and prosperity. This is reported by the Communication Service of the Russian Orthodox Church’s Holy See.

The congratulatory messages were addressed to a number of prominent religious figures, including Patriarch Tawadros II of Coptic, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II, Patriarch Abune Matthias of Ethiopia, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I and Patriarch Abune Basil of Eritrea.

In his messages, the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church noted: «Today, when the Incompatible God enters the boundaries of time and space, being born of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, the whole creation rejoices, glorifying Him who appeared in the flesh, justified Himself in the Spirit, showed Himself to the angels, was preached to the nations and received by faith in the world (1 Tim. 3: 16). Together with the heavenly host, we also offer our heartfelt praise to the Lord, who has shown His inexpressible love for people, who has granted us eternal life and salvation».

In conclusion, His Holiness wished the Primates of the Ancient Eastern Churches good health and bright joy about the Divine Child who had come into the world, and the flock entrusted to their care — peace and prosperity.

Earlier, on the eve of the New Year, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia called on believers to pray for good changes in Ukraine, which would help strengthen Orthodoxy, the unity of the Russian Church and the prosperity of the Ukrainian people.