Russian Orthodox Church leader: Christmas troubled by hostilities

RELIGIONS NEWS AGENCY (REDNA) – The leader of Orthodox church in Russia said the holy Christmas festivities are troubled by ongoing hostilities.

Patriarch Kirill, as AP reported, in his message for Orthodox Christmas this weekend said:”we cannot but be troubled by the ongoing hostilities overshadowing the holy Christmas festivities.

He added as St. Paul notes, whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it.

In the midst of all the hardships that have befallen the peoples of the historical Rus’ it is of utmost importance for us to demonstrate in deeds our dedication to our Christian vocation and show love for one another”.

His message was read out during the liturgy for the festival of the nativity at the Russian Orthodox Dormition Cathedral in London.

It ended with the words: “May the Creator, Lover of mankind, the True Lord of history, show His mercy on the peoples of the Holy Rus’ and bless us all with peace”.