On December 20, 2024, Patriarch Kirill chaired the annual Diocesan Assembly of Moscow. He reported that there are 1,232 churches and chapels in the capital, with three additional churches now holding services at least once a week. The Patriarch emphasized the importance of the spiritual life of priests, urging them to find time for prayer and reflection despite everyday concerns, and to remain faithful to the teachings and moral principles of the Church. The Patriarch also drew attention to the challenges facing the Russian world.

The Antiochian Church canceled the celebration of Christmas and other holidays until the situation in Syria stabilizes. Patriarch John X of Antioch addressed the faithful with a Christmas message, urging believers both at home and in the diaspora to pray for the salvation of Syria and the restoration of its justice. Previously, the Patriarch expressed hope that the new Syrian state would respect the principles of equality and religious freedom. In a recent sermon, he emphasized that Christians are an integral part of Syrian society and full citizens of the country. The heads of Local Orthodox Churches, the Pope of Rome, and the UN Representative for Syria have expressed support for Antiochian Christians. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also expressed hope that Syria will remain a homeland for all its citizens, regardless of their religious affiliation. It is worth recalling that the offensive of opposition armed groups against Syrian army positions in November 2024 led to the fall of Damascus on December 8 and the resignation of President Bashar al-Assad. The new administration, led by Mohammed al-Bashir, has begun a transition period that is expected to conclude on March 1, 2025.

In Egypt, on December 14, 2024, a new personal status law for Christians was signed, regulating marriage, divorce, inheritance, and custody issues. The law, which has been under development since 2014, is the result of efforts by the Coptic Orthodox Church and other Christian communities, as well as the support of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. One of the key changes is the revision of divorce rules, which have expanded the grounds for divorce, as well as the introduction of gender equality in inheritance matters. The law eliminates many contradictions between secular law and religious provisions that Egyptian Christians have previously faced.

The Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church has opposed the renaming of the square in front of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia. The initiative of local deputies to propose the name of Saint John of Rila sparked discussions. The Church believes that the square is historically linked to the cathedral and the memory of Bulgaria’s liberation from Ottoman rule. Patriarch Daniel urged that the name be preserved as a mark of respect for ancestors and traditions.

On December 15, 2024, Metropolitan Konstantin of Zaraysk held the Divine Liturgy in the capital of Equatorial Guinea, Malabo. The Liturgy was conducted in Church Slavonic and Spanish, attracting both local residents and Russian-speaking expatriates. At the end of the service, Metropolitan Konstantin emphasized the importance of spiritual life for strengthening faith in Africa. The Russian House also opened in Malabo, where a meeting with the Minister of Justice took place, and missionary activities were discussed.

On December 15, 2024, a festive service took place in Paris, dedicated to the fifth anniversary of the reunification of the Archdiocese of Western European Parishes of the Russian Tradition with the Russian Orthodox Church. The Liturgy was led by Metropolitan Antony of Volokolamsk, Metropolitan John of Dubna, and Bishop Simeon of Domodedovo. In his welcoming speech, Metropolitan Antony highlighted the importance of the event and the merits of Metropolitan John. The reunification has strengthened the church traditions and the development of the Archdiocese.

The canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) has filed a complaint with the police regarding a cooking show filmed in the Refectory Church of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra. Restaurateur Evgeny Klopotenko posted a video that, according to the UOC, offends the feelings of believers and violates church canons. The UOC’s lawyer stated that filming the show in a place of worship constitutes disrespect for religious tradition. In turn, the director of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra Museum-Preserve expressed regret over the situation.