Russian patriarch calls for Christmas cease-fire in Ukraine

Patriarch Kirill calls for Christmas truce from noon on Jan. 6 to midnight on Saturday, Jan. 7

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - The leader of the Russian Orthodox Church has called for a truce in Ukraine for the occasion of Christmas Day, which is celebrated by most Orthodox Christians on Jan. 7, this year falling on Saturday.

“I, Kirill, Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus', appeal to all parties involved in the internecine conflict with an appeal to cease fire and establish a Christmas truce from 12 noon (0900GMT) on Jan. 6 to midnight (2100GMT) on Jan. 7, so that Orthodox people can attend services on Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day,” said a Thursday statement by the Russian Orthodox Church.

Russian and Ukrainian officials have previously said that there were no plans for a cease-fire during New Year's or the winter months.

Kaynak: