Orthodox Christmas celebrations begin in Russia

At least 14,000 people attended Christmas service in Moscow alone, a police spokesman said.

"So far, about 14,000 people attended the capital's churches, and they continue to arrive. No incidents were reported," Viktor Biryukov said.

The head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, called on the believers to pray about "our Fatherland, our Church and our people" during the Christmas service he conducted at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior.

He also called on the Russian people to show unity in his Christmas address.

"The importance of joining forces to overcome sorrow and misfortune was demonstrated by the last year's wildfires and draught across Russia. But people's unity should not be limited only by times of trouble. It should become an indispensable part of our national identity and life," Patriarch Kirill said in a statement, published on his website.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev attended the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior along with his wife and exchanged Christmas gifts with the Patriarch.

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin attended Christmas service in the Central Russian village of Turginovo north of Moscow, in the Tver Region where his parents came from.

Christmas services will continue until Friday evening, and Church leaders will deliver their congratulations after the Great Vespers, to begin at 16:00 Moscow time [13:00 GMT]. Kazinform cites RIA Novosti. See www.en.rian.ru for full version