CVIJANOVIĆ: MAY CHRISTMAS BRING GOOD HEALTH AND FAMILY HAPPINESS TO BELIEVERS

BANJA LUKA, JANUARY 6 /SRNA/ – The Serb member of the Presidency of BiH Željka Cvijanović extended Christmas Eve and upcoming Christmas greetings to Orthodox believers, wishing them to live in a stable and strong Republika Srpska.

Cvijanović and former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich attended the marking of Christmas Eve in the Banja Luka neighborhood of Paprikovac, where an evening religious service was held at the Church of the Holy Great Martyr George and the Badnjak /yule log/ was consecrated. Cvijanović wished all Orthodox believers good health and that they spend the holiday in family happiness. “We want all of us to live together in a stable and strong Republika Srpska, which is our commitment. These holiday gatherings always have a ceremonial character and demonstrate the ability of the people to preserve their identity, faith, and tradition,” Cvijanović told reporters. Blagojevich extended Christmas greetings to the Orthodox believers and said it was a great honor for him to attend the evening service together with a large number of them. “I thank Father Slobodan and Mrs. Cvijanović for inviting me here. This is a true Christmas gift for me, as my ancestors originate from the territory of Republika Srpska. In any case, we pray for peace, and I am grateful to the leadership of Republika Srpska, led by Milorad Dodik, which demonstrates strength and readiness to make sacrifices while advocating for the interests of Republika Srpska and its people,” Blagojevich said. Archpriest Slobodan Marin, parish priest of Paprikovac, extended greetings on the Feast of the Nativity of Christ to all parishioners and Orthodox Christians celebrating Christmas. The Serbian Orthodox Church today marks Christmas Eve, preparing for the celebration of Christmas.