Rustam Minnikhanov congratulates Tatarstan citizines on Christmas

On January 6, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov congratulated Tatarstan citizens on Christmas.

"Dear Orthodox citizens!

From the bottom of my heart I congratulate you on Christmas.

The birth of the son of God more than 2,000 years ago marked a new era in human history. This holy holiday creates the atmosphere of miracle, filling hearts of Orthodox citizens with hope, love and faith in better future. Like a bright Star of Bethlehem, it lights up the way to spiritual transformation and understanding of great mysteries of life.

Christmas is always celebrated as a family and children’s holiday, which makes it comprehensible for representatives of different nationalities and religions.

Inviolability of the moral values such as joy of maternity, matrimonial fidelity, ideals of goodness and justice are described in the Bible legend about the birth of the baby Jesus.

Tatarstan citizens equally respect traditional religions which is one of the fundamental factors of social harmony and sustainable development of our republic.

I am sincerely glad that Christmas and other significant Orthodox and Muslim holidays are celebrated in the atmosphere of peace and mutual understanding in the republic.

There were a lot of significant events in the life of Orthodox citizens of the republic such as the third Forum of the Orthodox Community of Tatarstan, the reconstruction of the Cathedral of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God and Old Believers Cathedral in 2017.

I sincerely hope that Christmas celebrations will make the believers more inspired in seeking spiritual development and creation.

I wish you and your relatives health, peace, happiness and well-being!

Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov".