The telegram reads, in part:
“Christmas gives us the inextinguishable light of faith and fills us with joy and hope. This is a time of good intentions, kind deeds, and care for loved ones and strangers seeking our help and assistance.
Compassion, mutual respect, tolerance, love for one’s family, one’s people and the Fatherland – these are the values underlying human civilisation. For centuries, the Russian Orthodox Church and other Christian faiths in our nation have been passing these values on from generation to generation. They help greatly to strengthen civil peace and harmony in our society and improve its morals, as well as to educate youth in the spirit of respect toward our nation’s historical and cultural heritage.
As we share the joy of this holiday, I wish you health, prosperity and all the best.
I hope that the Star of Bethlehem will bring happiness, love and harmony to every home, and prosperity to our nation.”
Dmitry Medvedev and Svetlana Medvedeva attended a Christmas service held at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour.