President Ilham Aliyev Extends Christmas Greetings to Azerbaijan’s Orthodox Christian Community
Baku, The Gulf Observer: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, has conveyed his heartfelt congratulations to the Orthodox Christian community of the country on the occasion of Christmas. In a message emphasizing unity and shared values, the President extended his wishes for good health and happiness to the Christian faithful.
“I cordially congratulate the entire Christian community of Azerbaijan on the occasion of the Holy Christmas and wish you all good health and happiness,” the message began.
Highlighting Azerbaijan’s rich history of cultural and religious harmony, President Aliyev noted that Christians have lived in peace and friendship with other religious and ethnic communities for centuries. He underscored the country’s commitment to preserving its ethnic and cultural diversity and promoting tolerance and intercultural dialogue on a global scale.
“In Azerbaijan, Christians have lived together with representatives of other nations and religions in an atmosphere of friendship, peace, and tranquility for centuries. The preservation of ethnic-cultural diversity, rich traditions of tolerance in our country, providing support for the development of intercultural and interreligious dialogue on a global scale are among the priority directions of our policy,” the President said.
He further highlighted Azerbaijan’s democratic values and inclusive approach to state-religion relations, emphasizing the equal rights and freedoms enjoyed by all citizens, regardless of their language, religion, or ethnicity. “In Azerbaijan, which is recognized as a place of exemplary multiculturalism, everyone enjoys equal rights and freedoms. Our Christian compatriots are keeping their traditions alive by freely performing rituals and ceremonies in accordance with their beliefs, are closely involved in the socio-political, socio-cultural life of Azerbaijan, and fulfill their civic duties honestly,” he added.
President Aliyev reflected on the symbolic significance of Christmas as a time of renewal, faith, and compassion. “Christmas, which is a symbol of renewal, faith in the future, feelings of kindness and compassion among people, is solemnly celebrated in Azerbaijan every year. May this bright holiday bring joy and happiness to your families, and blessings to your tables,” he said.
The message reaffirms Azerbaijan’s longstanding tradition of fostering unity among diverse communities and ensuring an environment where cultural and religious identities can thrive harmoniously.
