Russian Patriarch Kirill calls for cease-fire
Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill attends an expanded meeting of the Russian Defence Ministry Board at the National Defence Control Centre in Moscow, Russia. Photo EPA, Mikhael Klimentyev
Eastern Europe
The Russian Patriarch Kirill, head of the Russian Orthodox Church, calls for a ceasefire in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
He wants both militaries to lay down their arms at midnight on January 6, when the Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas. That is reported by Patriarcha.ru.
A ceasefire would allow orthodox soldiers to attend church services on Christmas Eve and Christmas day, Kirill explained his plea. He added that the truce should remain in force until the night before next Sunday.
Eastern Orthodox Churches have traditionally celebrated Christmas on a different date than Western churches. This year, for the first time, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church allowed parishes to adhere to Western traditions by celebrating Christmas on December 25, Yle writes.
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