Conference of European Churches calls for Christmas truce in Ukraine
CEC advocates for a truce. Photo: Conference of European Churches
The Conference of European Churches (CEC) has issued a heartfelt plea for a Christmas ceasefire in Ukraine, urging all parties to embrace this season of hope and humanity, symbolized by this holiday, according to the organization’s website. The resolution was adopted following CEC consultations on "just peace", held in Warsaw from December 9 to 11, 2024.
The European ecumenical organization, which unites 115 member churches across Europe, called on Russia to halt violence during the Nativity period, emphasizing the significance of compassion and respect for the holiday.
One of the key recommendations from the consultations is a proposal for a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine based on the “all for all” formula as a humanitarian gesture amidst conflict.
The Conference endorsed Pope Francis’s December 8 initiative for a ceasefire on all fronts. The participants emphasised that "the message of Christmas must transcend conflict, offering an opportunity for dialogue, reconciliation, and hope."
The President of the CEC, His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain, remarked: "The child in the manger, Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, invites all to embrace the peace offered by God in Bethlehem. All humankind is invited.”
The Warsaw consultations brought together leaders of Ukrainian churches, who shared their testimonies and reports highlighting the urgency of action for peace.
As the UOJ previously reported, Pope Francis called for a ceasefire on all fronts by Christmas.
Read also
Ultra-Orthodox Jews paralyze traffic in Israel over arrest of draft evaders
Ultra-Orthodox demonstrators blocked highways and railway tracks, demanding an end to the arrest of those refusing military service.
Patronal feast celebrated at Kherson cathedral damaged by shelling
Because of damage caused by Russian shelling, the festal Liturgy on the Day of the Holy Spirit was celebrated for the first time in the lower church of the Kherson Eparchy’s cathedral.
Kremenchuk Eparchy comments on situation around Holy Trinity Cathedral
The UOC emphasized that any disputes regarding the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Kremenchuk should be resolved exclusively within the legal framework.
4,000 faithful celebrate patronal feast of Holy Spirit Skete of Pochaiv Lavra
The celebration of the Day of the Holy Spirit brought together pilgrims from across Ukraine at the skete of Pochaiv Lavra.
OCU supporters prepare to seize UOC church in Kolonshchyna
In a village in Kyiv Region, OCU supporters held what parishioners describe as an unlawful meeting to “transfer” a UOC parish, despite the religious community having already reaffirmed its loyalty to its Church.
His Beatitude officiates at Liturgy in Kyiv on Day of the Holy Spirit
At the church complex dedicated to the Icon of the Mother of God “Quick to Hear” in Kyiv, the Primate of the UOC celebrated the festal Liturgy and offered prayers for peace in Ukraine.