The message reads, in part:
“This wonderful holiday illuminates the world with the light of kindness and love, giving millions of people hope and the joy of communion with the spiritual traditions of our forebears, passed down from generation to generation.
I would like to note with deep appreciation the immense and truly unique contribution made by the Russian Orthodox Church and other Christian denominations to strengthening social unity, preserving our rich historical and cultural heritage, and fostering the patriotic and moral upbringing of young people. Religious organisations devote tireless attention to works of mercy and charity, care for those in need, support participants and veterans of the special military operation, and do much to promote harmonious interfaith and interethnic dialogue in our country. This important and much-needed work deserves the most sincere recognition.
I wish Orthodox Christians and all those who celebrate Christmas good health, success and all the very best.”
* * *
On Christmas night, Vladimir Putin attended a service at the Church of the Great Martyr St George the Victorious in the Moscow Region. After the service, the President spoke with people in the church.
* * *
President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Friends,
I wish you a merry Christmas.
First of all, I would like to address the youngest audience at today’s service. I would like to say that you can rightfully be proud of your fathers and mothers, as people in our country, Russia, were always proud of our warriors.
Today we are celebrating a wonderful and bright holiday of the birth of Christ. We often refer to Christ as the Saviour because He came into the world to save all people. And the warriors, Russian warriors, always carry out this very mission as if by the command of the Lord, a mission of defending the Fatherland, defending our country and its people. People in Russia have always treated their warriors as those who, acting at God’s command, carry out this holy mission.
I am confident that today – and what I have said naturally refers not only to those who are standing here but to all warriors of Russia – I have no doubt that today our joy is shared by our brothers, representatives of other religions, just as we rejoice with them when they celebrate their holidays, and just as we all rejoice together in our common victories because, as we know, victory is always one for all.
I wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. May luck and your guardian angel always be with you.
Thank you for your service to the Fatherland. Happy holiday!