Officials Extend Numerous Greetings on the Occasion of Christmas

(Patria) - Numerous greetings have arrived on the occasion of Christmas, which Orthodox Christians celebrate on January 7.

Member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Željko Komšić sent greetings to Metropolitan Hrizostom of Dabar-Bosna and all citizens celebrating Christmas according to the Julian calendar.

“Your Eminence,

I congratulate you and the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina who are celebrating Christmas Eve and Christmas according to the Julian calendar on this most joyous holiday.

Christmas reminds us that true strength lies in forgiveness, understanding, and respect for others, regardless of differences. May this holiday awaken hope and faith in every heart for a better tomorrow, for a society that builds bridges, not walls.

I wish you to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas in peace with your loved ones, filled with kindness and well-being. Peace of God, Christ is born!”

The Vice President of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Refik Lendo, sent greetings to Metropolitan Hrizostom of Dabar-Bosna and all Orthodox Christians in Bosnia and Herzegovina on the occasion of Christmas.

"On the occasion of the upcoming Orthodox Christmas, I extend my sincere congratulations to Metropolitan Hrizostom of Dabar-Bosna and all Orthodox believers in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

I wish you to spend this most joyous Christian holiday in health, happiness, and prosperity, in the company of your loved ones – family, friends, and neighbors. May Christmas bring you peace and mutual respect, and may the coming days be filled with hope, faith, and progress.

May this holiday be an incentive to strengthen unity, reconciliation, and solidarity among all people of good will, and may we continue to build a better and stronger Bosnia and Herzegovina together. Merry Christmas!”

The Deputy Minister of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ivica Bošnjak, extended greetings to all employees of the Ministry, police, and state officials of Orthodox faith on the occasion of Christmas.

“I wish you to spend this holiday in peace, happiness, and good spirits with your families, friends, and neighbors, taking care of your safety and the safety of your loved ones.

May this holiday bring you peace and joy and be an inspiration for us to continue building a safe and prosperous environment for all citizens of this country,” stated Deputy Minister Bošnjak’s greeting.

The Chairperson of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Željka Cvijanović, on the occasion of Christmas, sent greetings to His Holiness Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia, the clergy and monastic community of the Serbian Orthodox Church, and all Orthodox believers celebrating according to the Julian calendar.

“I extend my warmest and most heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of the most joyous Christian holiday – Christmas, with the wish that you spend the festive days in good health, spiritual peace, and prosperity.

May this Christmas celebration, when we celebrate the birth of Christ as a symbol of a new beginning and new hope, bring abundant love, happiness, and harmony to all homes, and be an inexhaustible source of inspiration for nobility, charity, and general progress.

In the spirit of Christmas, a holiday of unique joy and warmth, which brings families together, brings the distant closer, and reconciles the estranged, I greet you with the traditional Christian greeting – Peace of God, Christ is born!”

Greetings on the occasion of the upcoming Christmas were extended by Jakob Finci, President of the Jewish Community of BiH, and Mr. Boris Kožemjakin, President of the Jewish Community in Sarajevo.

“On behalf of the Jewish Community of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Jewish Community of Sarajevo, and in our personal names, we extend our sincere congratulations to you, the clergy, monastic community, and all believers of the Orthodox faith on the occasion of Christmas.

May this joyous holiday bring peace to the homes and hearts of all believers, strengthen mutual respect, and deepen the understanding that connects our communities. Christmas reminds us of the power of goodness and the value of solidarity, highlighting what unites us – the common pursuit of peace, love, and compassion. In a time when closeness among people is more precious than ever, this holiday celebrates human dignity and the joy of life, calling us to turn to each other with care and concern, strengthening the bonds that make us closer and better.

We wish that the festive days pass in health, happiness, and prosperity. Peace of God, Christ is born!”

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konaković, sent greetings to Metropolitan Hrizostom on the occasion of the great Christian holiday of Christmas.

In his greeting, Minister Konaković extended his warmest congratulations to Metropolitan Hrizostom and all believers of the Orthodox faith of the Metropolitanate of Dabar-Bosna and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“Christmas is an opportunity to renew our faith in goodness, unity, and solidarity, the fundamental values that connect us and strengthen interpersonal relationships. May the messages of this blessed holiday bring harmony and progress to all people of good will,” stated Minister Konaković.