Dear countrymen,

I sincerely congratulate you on the Nativity of Christ.

This joyous family holiday, filled with love and consent, gives faith and hope to millions of people. The silent Christmas night, illumined by the light of the Bethlehem star, helps people become closer to each other, forget insults and open up their hearts to the goodness.

On these solemn days we have an especially strong feeling of the immutability of the eternal evangelical truths, simple and great at the same time. Because in this age of difficulties and contradictions the humanity needs the high ideals of justice, self-sacrifice and mercy, which have been brought to this world by the Christianity for more than two thousand years now.

May the wholesome atmosphere of Christmas always prevail in your homes, helping preserve the main treasures – peace of mind and good health of the children and loved ones, mutual understanding, friendship and loyalty, ability to forgive and value life.

I wish strong health, successes in all your activities and undertakings, big happiness and cheerful mood to you, dear countrymen.