Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov congratulates Orthodox citizens of the Republic of Tatarstan on Christmas

On January 6, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov congratulated Orthodox Christians on Christmas Day.

“Dear Orthodox citizens! From the bottom of my heart I congratulate you on this bright, vital holiday of Christmas! Christmas gives us the eternal light of belief, fills our hearts with joy and love, delivers a message of good and justice, forgiveness and mercy, and confidence in the future.

In Tatarstan, where Orthodoxy as long as Islam and other traditional religions plays an important social role, we deeply respect and pay much attention to development of religious life and establishment of friendly relations between people of different nationalities and religions. Every year Tatarstan metropolia of Russian Orthodox Church makes bigger contribution to improving moral principles in the society, nurturing the feeling of respect to our rich historical and cultural heritage in young people.

Major efforts are taken to support traditional spiritual values, preservation and development of Orthodox culture in the republic. Old churches are being restored and new churches are being built in towns and villages, Sunday schools are opening in Tatarstan.

I am glad that these good deeds unite citizens of Tatarstan and help strengthening inter-ethnic peace and concord in our common home.

From the bottom of my heart I wish you a Merry Christmas, inexhaustible optimism, happiness, peace, and wellbeing!

Tatarstan President, Rustam Minnikhanov.”