On behalf of the Montenegrin Orthodox Church, all its hierarchs, clergy, and the faithful people of Montenegro, I extend heartfelt Christmas greetings to all who celebrate the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ on December 25, according to the new calendar. This joy is shared not only by the faithful of the Roman Catholic Church and other Christian denominations, but also by the majority of Orthodox Churches, led by the Ecumenical Patriarchate, which celebrate Christmas according to the Revised Julian Calendar. May these festive days be filled with peace, health, and love for you, in the warmth of your homes and in communion with your loved ones.

Christmas once again reminds us that the birth of Christ is a gift to all humanity and a call to renew the values that unite us: hope, solidarity, mutual understanding, and tolerance. It is a feast that does not divide, but gathers; a feast that teaches us that love is stronger than any difference and that peace is the foundation of all true communion. May the symbolism of Christmas be a powerful guide in times of unrest, so that during these days, as well as in all those that follow, we may live turned toward one another, in respect and care for our neighbour.

Aware of the fact that in the Orthodox world the Nativity of Christ is celebrated on different dates, we understand the legitimate questions that arise concerning the calendar issue within the Montenegrin Orthodox Church. We recall that at a session of the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Montenegrin Orthodox Church, held in an extended composition, special attention was devoted to this matter, taking into account its liturgical, canonical, as well as its profound spiritual and cultural dimension. The Holy Synod emphasized that this issue must be considered responsibly, calmly, and in the spirit of conciliarity, through broader ecclesial and public dialogue and thorough education of the faithful regarding the complexity of the theological and liturgical aspects of this question, in order to preserve the unity of the Church and liturgical communion with the Ecumenical Patriarchate and those local Orthodox Churches that observe the new calendar. A decision on a possible change of the calendar will be made when all pastoral, liturgical, and spiritual conditions for such a step have been fulfilled.

With this hope and faith in the God of peace, once again I extend sincere Christmas greetings to all who celebrate today, with the wish that the Nativity of Christ may bring you spiritual joy, strength, and blessing.

Christ is born!
Truly He is born!

Archbishop of Cetinje and Metropolitan of Montenegro
Mihailo