President Ilham Aliyev congratulated the Orthodox Christian community of Azerbaijan

President Ilham Aliyev congratulated the Orthodox Christian community of Azerbaijan on Christmas.

As reported by BAKU.WS, the message states:

"Dear compatriots!

I heartily congratulate you and the entire Christian community of Azerbaijan on the sacred holiday of Christmas, and extend my most sincere wishes to each of you.

In Azerbaijan, for centuries, an atmosphere of national and spiritual solidarity based on mutual respect and trust, good friendship and brotherhood has prevailed among different peoples and confessions.

The promotion in our society and encouragement of a high culture of coexistence, moral and ethical norms, multicultural values, and principles of tolerance constitute a priority vector of our state policy.

In Azerbaijan, known for its rich traditions of tolerance, today everyone has opportunities for cultural self-expression. Regardless of language, religion, or nationality, comprehensive democratic and legal conditions have been created for all citizens of our country, including the Christian community, allowing them to preserve and further develop their ethnocultural identity. It is commendable that our Christian compatriots actively participate in all spheres of socio-political and socio-cultural life, sparing no effort for the progress and prosperity of our common home - Azerbaijan.

The Christmas holiday embodies such high feelings as renewal, purity, mercy, and virtue. On this bright day, I once again extend holiday greetings to all of you, wishing happiness to your families and abundance on your tables.

Happy holidays!".