Moscow Patriarch Congratulates the Pope On Easter

Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexis II sent Easter greetings to Pope John Paul II, the foreign church relations department of the Moscow Patriarchate reported on Monday.

Yesterday the Roman Catholic Church and many other Christian churches using the Gregorian calendar (new style) celebrated Christ's Resurrection.

"Accept our congratulations on Holy Easter," reads the message of Patriarch Alexis II.

"I congratulate you on Christ's Resurrection and wish you and your flock to rejoice over Our Lord who resurrected from the dead by the glory of the Father to bring us new life," said the Patriarch.

The head of the Russian Orthodox Church also sent Easter greetings to heads of all Christian churches and religious associations using the Gregorian calendar.

The Russian Orthodox Church adheres to the old Julian calendar and will celebrate Easter on April 27.