UPDATE - Russian patriarch calls for Christmas cease-fire in Ukraine

UPDATES WITH UKRAINE'S STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO CALL BY PATRIARCH KIRILL

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) – The leader of the Russian Orthodox Church on Thursday called for a truce in Ukraine for the occasion of the 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 statement by the Russian Orthodox Church.

The adviser to the head of Ukraine's presidential office, Mykhailo Podolyak, responded to Patriarch Kirill's call with a statement on Twitter, saying that the Russian Orthodox Church is not an authority for Orthodoxy around the world.

"The Russian Orthodox Church's statement about 'Christmas truce' is a cynical trap and an element of propaganda," Podolyak added.

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