President Milanović’s Christmas Greetings to Orthodox Believers in the Republic of Croatia

The President of the Republic Zoran Milanović has extended Christmas greetings to Orthodox believers in the Republic of Croatia. His message reads:

“To all Croatian citizens and Orthodox believers celebrating tomorrow, I wish you a Merry Christmas. This most joyous Christian holiday is traditionally a time for family gatherings and for expressing care and respect for our loved ones. I hope you spend the Christmas holiday in peace, joy, and happiness with your families and friends.

Above all, what we need today is peace and security. It is only in such an environment that we can build a stable, just, and tolerant society, where all Croatian people can live better and where our children have a secure future. Croatia has proven that it can be a common home for people of different religious, national, and cultural backgrounds. This is a value that distinguishes advanced, civilized, and well-organized nations. To ensure that Croatia remains such a nation, we must continually uphold this value and not allow anyone in Croatia to feel less valued or unequal.

Therefore, I encourage us all to use this upcoming holiday as an opportunity to show respect and acceptance to our Orthodox neighbours, friends, and fellow citizens. In doing so, we will reaffirm that Croatia is a homeland for all those who consider it their home.

I am confident that, together — first as individuals and then as institutions — we can continue to build Croatia as a safe and tolerant society that celebrates diversity. Once again, I wish a Merry Christmas to all Orthodox believers, with the traditional greeting: ‘God’s peace, Christ is born.’”