The head of Russia's Orthodox Church, Patriarch Alexy II, sent Christmas greetings Sunday to Pope John Paul II, calling for the two to "resume our brotherly contacts."
Relations between the groups have been strained over Orthodox allegations that the Vatican is pursuing an "expansionist tragedy" in traditionally Orthodox countries, to which the Roman Catholic church has responded with criticism of what it sees as attempts to weaken its congregations here. Five foreign-born Catholic priests have been expelled from Russia, and the pope has been unable to fulfill his wish of visiting the country because of Orthodox pressure.
"Illuminated by the gracious rays of the light of Christ, let us resume our brotherly contacts and send joyful praise to the newborn Divine Child, who has come to Earth for our sake," Alexy wrote in the message to John Paul, according to Interfax news agency.
Alexy also promised to make a special prayer during Orthodox Christmas, celebrated on Jan. 7, for God to grant the pope "a life of peace and numerous gifts" during the year.
Russia is mostly Orthodox, with a small minority of 600,000 Catholics.