President Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to the Orthodox Christian community of Azerbaijan.
The editorial reports that the congratulatory message states:
"Dear Compatriots!
I wholeheartedly congratulate you and the entire Christian community of Azerbaijan on the holy Christmas holiday, and extend my sincerest wishes to each of you.
For centuries, Azerbaijan has been characterized by an environment of national-spiritual solidarity, based on mutual respect and trust, and warm friendship and brotherhood among different peoples and faiths.
The promotion and encouragement of a high culture of coexistence, moral and ethical norms, multicultural values, and principles of tolerance in our society constitute a priority line of the state policy we are implementing.
In Azerbaijan, known for its rich traditions of tolerance, everyone today has the opportunity for cultural self-expression. Regardless of their language, religion, or national origin, comprehensive democratic and legal conditions have been created for all citizens of our country, including the Christian community, to preserve and further develop their ethnic and cultural identity. It is commendable that our Christian compatriots actively participate in all spheres of our socio-political and socio-cultural life, and spare no effort for the progress and prosperity of our common home, Azerbaijan.
Christmas embodies sublime feelings such as renewal, purity, compassion, and benevolence. On this cherished day, I once again extend my holiday greetings to all of you, and wish happiness to your families and abundance to your tables.
Merry Christmas!"