CHRISTMAS EPISTLE

To the Brother Hierarchs, clergy, monastics, and Orthodox faithful in Montenegro and the diaspora:

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

On this holy night of the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, when Heaven descended upon earth and the Love of God clothed itself in human nature, we are gathered to once again renew our faith, hope, and responsibility before God and before ourselves.

The Birth of Christ is not merely an event from the past, but an eternal message to humanity: that darkness is overcome by light, violence by meekness, falsehood by truth, and hatred by love. Christ comes among us as a newborn child – quiet, unimposing, yet mightier than any injustice.

Regrettably, even today in Montenegro, we witness injustices and discrimination. The Montenegrin Orthodox Church, despite its historical and spiritual foundation, endures denial, humiliation, attacks, and institutional violence. Our clergy and faithful are often reduced to the status of second-class citizens, while our right to freedom of religion and identity is denied or relativized.

But, brothers and sisters, Christ teaches us perseverance, not bitterness! He teaches us truth and the preservation of dignity. Our strength lies not in clamour, but in faith. Not in hatred, but in righteousness. Not in renouncing Montenegro and its ecclesiastical heritage, but in our complete spiritual renewal.

Therefore today, more than ever, we call upon Montenegrins and all people of goodwill to return to God. For without God, man loses his measure, and a people without a spiritual foundation easily becomes prey to foreign interests and delusions. Let us turn to Christ not only in words, but in deeds: through honesty, care for our neighbour, love for our homeland, and respect for truth.

Christmas teaches us that God is born where there is meekness. May Christ, therefore, be born in our hearts, in our homes, and in our state of Montenegro. May He grant us wisdom to distinguish truth from deception, strength to persevere in righteous deeds, and faith that no injustice is eternal.

From Cetinje, the spiritual heart of Montenegro, I send you a paternal message of peace, hope, and blessing:

The Peace of God – Christ is Born! Indeed He is Born!

At Cetinje, 6 January 2026 (24 December 2025)

Your supplicant in Christ,

Archbishop of Cetinje and Metropolitan of Montenegro

† M I H A I L O s.r.