Greetings from the President of the Republic Zoran Milanović to Believers who Celebrate Christmas according to the Julian Calendar

I wish a Merry Christmas to all our fellow citizens of the Orthodox faith who will celebrate tomorrow the most joyful Christian holiday. The Christmas feast day is always a call to closeness with one’s loved ones and family gathering, and it is my sincere wish that you spend it in peace and joy with your loved ones.

Christmas is an opportunity to show mutual understanding and tolerance, particularly in these difficult times for our numerous citizens who were affected by the consequences of the earthquakes. We have to show solidarity to all those who will not celebrate Christmas in their homes with their families again this year, and human goodness as the most important message of Christmas. I take this opportunity once again to call on those in power for more understanding for the people, particularly in Banija, for whom state aid is essential.

In the hope that we will continue to build a tolerant Croatian society in which there will be room and opportunities for everyone, and all Croatian citizens will feel to be their home, to all Orthodox believers once again, Merry Christmas with the traditional greeting – God’s peace, Christ is born!