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His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia has sent Christmas greetings to heads of non-Orthodox Christians Churches, including Pope Benedict XVI, Supreme Patriarchate and Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II, Archbishop Yukka Paarma of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Finland, Archbishop Rowan Williams of the Anglican Community and others. Below is the text of Patriarch Kirill’s  Christmas greetings:

My cordial greetings on the occasion of the great feast of the Nativity of Christ and on the New Year! Over two thousand years ago, the Lord’s angel heralded to the humble shepherds the joy of the Divine Incarnation, and the star of Bethlehem miraculously showed them the way to the Infant.

In the situation of the modern civilization where many people have lost spiritual and moral guidelines, the Bethlehem star continues to throw light on the road to the Lord for those who sincerely seek the light of the Divine truth.

Today too, the good news of the nativity of Christ gives people the only firm hope for a renewal of their life: Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord (Lk. 2:10-11).

I wish you Christmas radiant joy, good health and help from the Divine Enfant in your lofty ministry,

+ Kirill

Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia