Friday 7th January was Christmas according to the Julian calendar adopted by Russian Orthodox Christians and other Eastern Orthodox Churches. Orthodox Christians and leaders across the world celebrated the traditional major feast with a strong wish for world peace as most of the predominately Orthodox countries are in social and political chaos.
Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia's sent his blessing in the Christmas greetings, "May God send peace and joy, brotherhood and virtue, wisdom and hope to all the people."
Referring to the Beslan school hostage tragedy in Moscow in September 2004, Patriarch Alexy II said 2004 was a difficult year.
"Even though the horrible tragedy has become deep grief and sorrow, it has shown that moral ideals are alive in the people: facing death, many people manifested high examples of sacrificial love for their neighbours, laying down their lives for their friends," he encouraged Russian Christians.
Patriarch Alexy II calls on Christians of all denominations and people of all faiths to strive for world peace amid the threat of religious hatred and terrorism, "Let us work together for the sake of peace and the prosperity of our peoples."
Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated all followers of Christ on Christmas. While protestant churches other than Orthodox are often suppressed in Russia, Putin gave this remark, "The Russian Orthodox Church and other traditional Christian confessions play a most important role in the preservation of spiritual foundations of the society, in the strengthening of civil peace, in the upbringing of a new generation. And this productive activity deserves the highest respect and support."
In Ukraine, another major Orthodox country, citizens celebrated Christmas with an end of its election saga. The Pro-Western Viktor Yushchenko will be inaugurated President of the ex-Soviet nation, which has been welcomed by many Christians. Hundreds of people attended a Christmas concert on Kiev's central Independence Square.
In Bethlehem, where the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is still in deadlock, Palestinian Christians were joined by many Israelis from the former Soviet Union at midnight Mass.