Russian patriarch congratulates pope

MOSCOW, Dec. 26 (UPI) -- Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow sent Roman Catholic Pope Benedict XVI a congratulatory Christmas Day message wishing him well.

"I heartily congratulate you on the Nativity of Christ and wish you abundant grace on behalf of Infant God, well-doing, God's help in your service," the Russian spiritual leader said Tuesday.

He also extended his message of good cheer to leaders of other Christian denominations, ITAR-TASS reported.

While Catholics and Protestants celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25, most Orthodox churches will mark the birth of Jesus Jan. 7.