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

Dear Orthodox fellow citizens!

With all my heart I congratulate you on the Nativity of Christ!

For Christians of the whole world this great holiday creates wonderful mood of the approaching miracle when our daily routine is overshadowed and are hearts are filled with belief and love. The birth of the Savior symbolizes the humankind's hope for the better, morally perfect life.

Since long, Christmas has been celebrated as a family and children's holiday. Glorifying the Holy Family and the child Jesus, believers are inspired by enduring importance of ideals of motherhood, strong matrimonial bonds, good and mercy. These values are equally close and understood by representatives of all traditional faiths living in peace in the multinational Tatarstan, which was evidently shown by the Year of family in the republic.

Whatever difficulties we face on our road, we all strongly believe in the best and hope that the guiding star of Bethlehem will shine its bright light over our lives.

May this great holiday warm our souls with its undiminishing warmth, having bringing happiness, peace and well-being to our homes!