Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and all Russia sent Christmas greetings to the heads of Christian denominations celebrating the feast on December 25. In his message, posted on the website of the Department for External Church Relations, the Patriarch wished the church leaders strength and divine assistance in their high service. Among the recipients were Pope Francis, Patriarch Ignatius Ephrem II of Antioch, Catholicos-Patriarch Mar Awa III of the Assyrian Church, and other church leaders.

The Russian Church continues to pray for the victims of missile strikes in the towns of Rylsk and Lgov in Russia's Kursk region. On December 20, six people, including a child, were killed in Rylsk, and social infrastructure was damaged. Patriarch Kirill condemned the actions of the Kiev regime and promised support to the victims through the Synodal Department for Church Charity. On December 25, another attack occurred in Lgov, with casualties. Bishop Paisiy of Zheleznogorsk and Lgov held a meeting to coordinate aid for the affected civilians.

In Syria, the Antiochian Church continues to defend the rights of Christians. On December 24, hundreds of people in Damascus protested after a Christmas tree was burned in the town of Suqaylabiyah in northern Syria by militants from the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Protesters called for the protection of Christian rights and equality before the law. Patriarch John X of Antioch met with the new Syrian administration's representative to discuss the status of Christians, their civil rights, and the Church's role in national reconciliation and rebuilding.

Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria Expresses Concern Over Persecution in Ukraine  
Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria expressed concern about the persecution of Orthodox Christians in Ukraine and the seizure of Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) temples. He condemned the violence by those claiming to represent true Orthodoxy and reiterated that the Bulgarian Orthodox Church does not recognize the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU). The Bulgarian Church will make its decision on recognition after the conflict in Ukraine ends. Patriarch Daniel stressed the importance of church unity and expressed hope for peace and reconciliation.

On December 22, 2024, a large protest took place in Belgrade, Serbia, in response to the tragic collapse of a roof at a train station in Novi Sad, which killed 15 people. Protests, which began immediately after the tragedy, continued this week. Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia, during a liturgy on the day of the protest, called for national reconciliation and dialogue. He expressed condolences for the victims and emphasized the Church's solidarity with the people during difficult times, urging respect for differing opinions and brotherly love as the path to unity.

From December 11 to 24, 2024, Patriarchal Exarch of Africa, Metropolitan Konstantin of Zaretsky, visited Equatorial Guinea and Uganda. During the visit, he led services, met with officials, organized humanitarian actions, and consecrated foundation stones for new churches. In Uganda, he welcomed priests who had converted from the Alexandrian Patriarchate and baptized 10 people. The trip concluded with a meeting with the Russian ambassador in Uganda.

Russian Orthodox Church and Muslim Spiritual Administration Organize Christmas Charity Actions  
The Russian Orthodox Church and the Spiritual Administration of Muslims in Russia organized Christmas charity events for those in need, refugees, and hospital patients. Through initiatives by the "Miloserdiye" charity and other projects, priests and volunteers will visit dangerous areas to deliver gifts and greetings.
The Patriarchal Charity Service is organizing the "Star of Christmas" festival and the "Give Joy for Christmas" campaign, which collects donations for the needy, including elderly individuals and children with disabilities. Russian Muslims will also support soldiers in hospitals, providing moral and spiritual aid.