BUDIMIR: CHRISTMAS MESSAGE OF HOPE AND ADVANCEMENT FOR SRPSKA

BANJA LUKA, JANUARY 6 /SRNA/ – On Christmas Eve morning, a liturgy was served at the Church of the Holy Archangel Michael at the Training Center of the Ministry of the Interior /MOI/ of Republika Srpska in Zalužani near Banja Luka, attended by Republika Srpska Interior Minister Željko Budimir.

Budimir extended his greetings to all citizens on the occasion of Christmas Eve, the upcoming Christmas holiday, and the festive season ahead.

"Through this celebration, the Police and our Ministry joyfully await Christmas. It is a holiday that should bring us joy in these very complex times. We hope and pray to God for progress throughout Republika Srpska, and that our hearth may remain a place of national gathering, so that we may endure and overcome all difficult trials," Budimir told reporters.

The Yule log was brought to the Center by members of the Mounted Unit and service dogs of the Gendarmerie of the Republika Srpska MOI. Following the liturgy, the ceremonial carrying out and lighting of the Yule log took place, after which the traditional "pijukanje" for children was organized in front of the church.

The Christmas Eve observance was also attended by former Interior Minister Dragan Lukač, along with numerous police officers and worshippers.

The Serbian Orthodox Church today marks Christmas Eve, preparing for the most joyful Christian holiday - the Nativity of Jesus Christ, Christmas.

Through vigil services and the lighting of the Yule log in Orthodox churches, the Nativity of the Savior is announced, whose coming into the world is celebrated as the beginning of a new era and the most joyful event in Christianity.