Christmas trees lit in front of the Cetinje Monastery

The faithful of the Metropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral laid Christmas trees in front of the Cetinje Monastery today at 15 p.m.

The first Christmas Eve, in accordance with decades of tradition, was ordered by representatives of the Cetinje tribes Martinović and Borilović. The Christmas Eve was celebrated by Metropolitan Joanikije of Montenegro and the Littoral, with the presence of the clergy of the Metropolia, reports Cetinjski list.

Addressing the gathered believers, Metropolitan Joanikije wished that the feast of the Nativity of Christ would bring everyone joy, spiritual renewal and fulfillment, peace and harmony among the people.

He urged that this great Christian holiday be celebrated in unity, love, and prayer, celebrating the coming of the Savior into the world.

"May God grant that this Christmas, like the previous one, and the one to come, may He grant us the strength to bear our cross honorably and honestly. May this generation of ours also offer to the Lord the sublime gifts of love, kindness, honesty, creation, and all that adorns the face of our people," said Joanikije.

He recalled that Montenegrins have defended the Orthodox faith, sacred sites, and their homeland throughout history.

"Faith has warmed us throughout our arduous history and given us the strength to survive... May the Lord pour out on Montenegro and Cetinje every blessing, grace, love and brotherly harmony, and may the Christmas joy brought by the infant Christ into this world enter our hearts, our homes and our families," said Joanikije.

A representative of the Bajica brotherhood also sent holiday greetings to those gathered, saying that Christmas Eve teaches modesty, humility, and that true strength lies in forgiveness, understanding, and caring for one another.

The lighting of the Christmas tree was attended by the President of the Parliament of Montenegro Andrija Mandić, the Deputy Prime Minister Budimir Aleksić, ministers and MPs of the ruling majority.