I give my sincere greetings to the Orthodox and Old-believers of Latvia for the Christmas holidays.

Christmas, whether it is celebrated according to western traditions or to those of the Orthodox and Old-believers, have the uniform message, that of faith, hope, and love. This is a season that brings kindness and joy to every family, a season that makes one for a short time forget the everyday hurry and concerns in order to share this moment with one’s family and friends.

May kindness and joy that accompany the Christmas holidays stay with us in our everyday life as well. May peace and faith strengthen us, our families and our country.

Greetings as you celebrate the birth of Christ!

6 January 2011