Address by the President of the Republic of Tatarstan, Mintimer Shaimiev, on the occasion of the Nativity of Christ

Dear Orthodox fellow citizens!



I heartily congratulate you on the Nativity of Christ!

Centuries pass by but the God-given light of this stirring triumph does not wane. The great sacrament of the Nativity fills human life with deep sense being a source of faith, hope and love. It appeals to mercy, strengthens confidence in the future.

Today, the Orthodox Christian community of Tatarstan keeping committed to the best Christian traditions plays a weighty role in setting high moral and spiritual values in our society and occupies a proactive position in relation to issues of social service and consolidation of unity of believers. I am confident that the Orthodox Christians of the republic will continue to contribute to the development of the richest heritage of our multi-national people, the development of inter-ethnic interaction, securing civil peace and concord.

May the Nativity bring your families the most precious gifts of joy, communication with your relatives and friends, cheerful children’s laugh, consideration and care of your dear and close people.

I wish you good health, happiness and well-being.