His Holiness Patriarch Alexy at children’s celebration in the State Kremlin Palace

On January 9, the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church visited the children’s party in the State Kremlin Palace and greeted the children with the feast of the Nativity of Christ and the New Year.

His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia told the children that the first to learn from the angels about the birth of the Infant God were the shepherds who guarded their flock near Bethlehem. His Holiness reminded the children that the tradition to bring Christmas presents dates back to the Gospel times: the wise men from the East, led by the star of Bethlehem, brought gold, frankincense and myrrh to the Infant Christ.

His Holiness Patriarch Alexy wished the children to bring joy to people by their good behaviour, to honour their parents and the elders, to study diligently and to continue in good health.

The Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church greeted the prize-winner of children’s competitions, including the ‘Christmas Star’ and the ‘Russian Winter’ competitions. His Holiness also greeted the Tolmachev sisters who won the Junior ‘Eurovision.’

His Holiness thanked the Presidential administration, the Moscow trade unions and the management of the State Kremlin Palace for providing the largest hall of the capital for annual New Year and Christmas children’s parties.

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• CHRISTMAS MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS ALEXY II, PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA, TO THE ARCHPASTORS, PASTORS, MONASTICS AND ALL FAITHFUL CHILDREN OF THE RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH