Archbishop, state officials congratulate Christmas

Today is Christmas Eve according to the Gregorian calendar, observed by most Christians. Belgrade Archbishop Stanislav Hocevar congratulated the holiday in a message that told worshippers not to be deaf and blind to either the gifts of God or human needs, but added even this happy time was somewhat spoiled. Archbishop, state officials congratulate Christmas "There are often unnecessary and untrue details from the past presented today, that provide for a somewhat distorted picture, as if they wish to bring the past, present and future into conflict," the agencies quoted the Catholic dignitary based in Belgrade, who added that these tendencies are "completely opposed to what we as Christians live, celebrate, and testify to." The Archbishop will serve the midnight mass at the Krista Kralja church in Belgrade, preceded by a mass at St. Antun's cathedral. Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica Monday sent his Christmas greetings "to all Catholic and Protestant Christians" wishing them happy holidays full of spiritual peace, good health and unity. This great and happy Christian holiday strengthens the sentiments of unity and tolerance between various religious communities in Serbia and this, I am certain, will in the future contribute to the spirit of understanding and mutual respect of all our citizens, the government public relations service quoted Kostunica as saying. President Boris Tadic also congratulated Christmas today, to Archbishop Hocevar and to all Serbians who celebrate the holiday according to the Gregorian calendar. "I send my greetings to you on this great holiday that I wish you to spend in joy, good health, well-being, tolerance and understanding," Tadic said in his Christmas message, and added that Christmas, as a day of peace and unity, should be the guideline in the coming years. The president also pointed out that "we need to continue to promote common values and common goals". B92 would like to join church dignitaries and state officials and wish all our Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox readers who celebrate Christmas tomorrow happy holidays and a successful new year. Archbishop Hocevar delivers his Christmas message in Belgrade (Tanjug)

Archbishop, state officials congratulate Christmas

"There are often unnecessary and untrue details from the past presented today, that provide for a somewhat distorted picture, as if they wish to bring the past, present and future into conflict," the agencies quoted the Catholic dignitary based in Belgrade, who added that these tendencies are "completely opposed to what we as Christians live, celebrate, and testify to."

The Archbishop will serve the midnight mass at the Krista Kralja church in Belgrade, preceded by a mass at St. Antun's cathedral.

Prime Minister Vojislav Koštunica Monday sent his Christmas greetings "to all Catholic and Protestant Christians" wishing them happy holidays full of spiritual peace, good health and unity.

This great and happy Christian holiday strengthens the sentiments of unity and tolerance between various religious communities in Serbia and this, I am certain, will in the future contribute to the spirit of understanding and mutual respect of all our citizens, the government public relations service quoted Koštunica as saying.

President Boris Tadić also congratulated Christmas today, to Archbishop Hočevar and to all Serbians who celebrate the holiday according to the Gregorian calendar.

"I send my greetings to you on this great holiday that I wish you to spend in joy, good health, well-being, tolerance and understanding," Tadić said in his Christmas message, and added that Christmas, as a day of peace and unity, should be the guideline in the coming years.

The president also pointed out that "we need to continue to promote common values and common goals".

B92 would like to join church dignitaries and state officials and wish all our Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox readers who celebrate Christmas tomorrow happy holidays and a successful new year.