Moscow, December 25, 2013
His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia sent Christmas greetings to Pope Francis; Archbishop Justin Welby, head of the Anglican Communion; Archbishop Kari Mäkinen, head of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Finland; Praeses Nikolaus Schneider, President of the Council of the Evangelical Church in Germany; and to the heads of other non-Orthodox Christian Churches. The text of the message is given below:
The Savior’s coming into the world opened a new era in our history, having revealed God’s ineffable mercy: “The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up” (Matthew 4:16).
Besides political and economic tribulations, which humankind has experienced for centuries, modern society is suffering a deep moral crisis. That is why the Church should raise her voice and call people to follow Christ Who is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).
I prayerfully wish you radiant Christmas joy and God’s help in your lofty ministry. And I wish peace and prosperity to your flock.
With love in the Lord,
+KIRILL
Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia
Department for External Church Relations of the Russian Orthodox Church
