Croatian president extends Christmas greetings in message

24 December 2018 – Croatian president Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović has issued her Christmas message to all the Christian faithful in the Homeland and abroad. 

Below is her message in full:

“Every year we joyously await Christmas, a feast of love for mankind, of charity and solidarity towards our neighbour, and also towards all people as a distinct expression of veneration for the Word of God. The meaning of the celebration of the birth of Jesus, the feast of light, kindness and peace is to see, understand, respect and help others in need.

May Christmas inspire us to be extravagant in giving the gifts of affection, friendship and communion since we have learned, time and again, just how much good we can bring to our people and our Homeland if we act in unison. 

Let us lavishly give the gifts of kindness and joy, respect and tolerance, and excessively promote the positive values that empower us.

Let us celebrate Christmas through the rich variety of our Christmas traditions, songs and greetings, surrounded by the warmth of family and friends. 

To all the Christian faithful in the Homeland and abroad, I wish a merry Christmas and an abundance of all the best in the new year 2019!”