State leaders send Christmas greetings

Christmas greetings were sent by the President of the Republic Zoran Milanović, the Croatian Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković and the Prime Minister Andrej Plenković.

Milanović wished for peace, harmony and reason among people

On Wednesday, the President of the Republic Zoran Milanović sent a Christmas greeting to the citizens of Croatia and Croatians around the world, in which he emphasized that "as the President of the Republic, I would like to wish only a peaceful and joyful Christmas holiday", but that "the time and the world in which we live are neither peaceful nor joyful".

“Dear fellow citizens, Croatians in the Homeland and around the world, and especially you in Bosnia and Herzegovina, I wish you all a Merry Christmas!

I would like that today - as the President of the Republic and as your fellow citizen - I can only wish you a peaceful and joyful Christmas holiday, as has been the tradition and custom of our people and the entire Christian world for centuries. But the times and the world we live in are neither peaceful nor joyful,” Milanović stated in his message, announced the Office of the President of the Republic.

“Christmas is upon us, he added, "we will welcome and celebrate in the shadow of ever greater insecurity, the ever-increasing threat of violence and wars, and an uncertain future. And I am particularly concerned that in such uncertain and threatening global circumstances, in our Homeland, I see and feel divisions, mutual accusations, and growing distrust."

“My first and main obligation, as President, is to do everything for the security and stability of Croatian society and the state,” Milanović emphasized.

“To do everything so that all Croatian people, regardless of their nationality, religion, or political affiliation, can live peacefully and carefree, work, raise their families, and plan their future.

Christmas celebrates an event that brings peace among people of good will, an event that renews awareness of the importance of kindness and mutual respect. It is the right moment for us all to ask ourselves: are we doing truly good for our families, our friends, our compatriots, our Homeland,” he added in his message.

“Croatia is beautiful, as the anthem says, precisely because of its diversity. But not only natural, but primarily because of the diversity of customs, traditions and culture of life. These diversities are permanently and inextricably imbued in our small but proud nation. And I am convinced that these very diversities have made it even stronger and more resistant to all threats. History teaches us, especially recent history, that Croatia was strongest when it was united, without unnecessary divisions and without mutual distrust. Let us not allow divisions in peace to endanger the achieved stability and security of Croatia,” Milanović emphasized.

“The values of our Republic are written in the Constitution. And every individual is obliged to protect them because only in this way can we preserve the safe, peaceful and democratic future of Croatia. This is especially important today when the world order is changing dramatically before our eyes, when power and sheer force are becoming the rule in international relations, and when not only obedience is demanded and expected from small nations and states, but also obedience bordering on submission.

The Croatian people knew, and I am sure they still know today, what they should do in such a situation: take care of themselves and their interests, take care of the future of their children, while remaining benevolent and honest towards others.

And while we anxiously await good news from all over the world, I sincerely hope that reason and peace will prevail.

And especially, and this is my greatest Christmas wish, that harmony and mutual understanding will prevail among the Croatian people,” concluded President Milanović in his Christmas greeting.

He also wished "all Christian believers a Merry Christmas" and a Happy New Year, and that everyone in Croatia "spend the Christmas holidays in peace and happiness, together in joy with their families and friends," according to a statement from the Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia.

Jandroković stressed the importance of unity, solidarity and peace

The Croatian Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković sent a Christmas greeting to all Croatian citizens and Croats at home and abroad, in which he stressed the importance of unity, solidarity and peace.

“To all Croatians in the Homeland and abroad, as well as to all citizens of the Republic of Croatia, on behalf of Croatian Parliament and personally, I wish you a Merry and Blessed Christmas! The birth of Jesus Christ embodies the victories of love, mercy and hope, which give unique meaning to the lives of believers, as well as inspiration for everyday challenges. It is a holiday that always brings special joy to our families, reminding us all of the importance of cultivating unity,” the greeting reads.

We were able to witness this unity in a special way this Advent, as numerous believers gathered at dawn masses in churches across Croatia in anticipation of the most joyful Christian holiday.

Such Advent preparations are also joyful because they undoubtedly confirm how much faith in God is still alive in our people. It also reminds us once again of the strength of our Christian roots, as an indispensable part of our history and our present, our culture and heritage, and our values, which we must pass on to younger generations,” he added.

The Parliament Speaker emphasized that at the core of these Christian values is a permanent call to believers to actively bear witness to humanity and care for their neighbors, especially for our most vulnerable fellow citizens, through concrete acts of mercy, and to always be the force in society that builds bridges of unity, solidarity, and peace.

“This is especially important today,” he added, “in a time of growing global unrest, increasingly frequent conflicts, crises, and social divisions. In such a world, Christians are especially called to promote optimism over hopelessness, respect over exclusivity, and understanding over contempt or judgment.”

“May Christmas, as the true Light that ultimately overcomes all darkness, further encourage us to such action. May it strengthen and refine our faith and bring peace, love, and joy to the hearts and homes of all people of good will throughout our homeland and the world. Once again, I wish everyone a merry, blessed, and peaceful Christmas,” wrote Jandroković.

Plenković: A time of love, family and togetherness

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković sent a Christmas greeting to Croatian citizens at home and abroad:

“Dear Croatians at home and abroad, dear fellow citizens,

Christmas is the most joyful Christian holiday, a holiday of love and family togetherness. It is a time of gathering with those closest to us, but also a period that encourages us to be generous and in solidarity, especially to care for the most needy in our society.

In times of global insecurity and uncertainty, we need the optimism and joy of Christmas more than ever before. Its universal message reminds us of the importance of respecting fundamental human values and awakens hope for a better and more peaceful tomorrow.

This great holiday always encourages us to reflect on our own decisions and actions, but also strengthens us in facing the challenges that lie ahead. By nurturing mutual trust and mutual respect, let us continue to build an even better, more successful and more developed Croatia together.

On behalf of the Government and personally, I wish you all abundant health, peace and joy, as well as the warmth of family and friendship. I would like to express my special gratitude to all those who will be working during the Christmas holidays, in the services without which our communities cannot function even during the holiday season.

Merry and blessed Christmas,” the Office of the Prime Minister said in a statement.

Source: HRT