Azeri President Ilham Aliyev wished the country's Orthodox Christians "Merry Christmas" on Jan. 5, the AzerTaj news agency reported. In his congratulatory letter, the president noted that myriad religious and ethnic communities live together peacefully in Azerbaijan. The country's multinational society, he said, can be looked upon as a shining example of tolerance.
"I would like to say with great pleasure that Azerbaijan's Orthodox Christians are full-fledged citizens of our country," Aliyev said in his letter. "They have preserved their language and culture, religious beliefs, customs and traditions, and they freely and independently celebrate their religious holidays and ceremonies. They also carry out their civic duties in building Azerbaijan and in strengthening our independent statehood."
The president noted that Azerbaijan's Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas as do all Christians throughout the world - as the day when Jesus Christ was born and a new stage of humanity began.
"I wish everyone happiness and abundance in family and home on this wonderful holiday," Aliyev continued. "Today is a symbol of renovation, calmness, mercy and compassion."