Croatian President Zoran Milanovic on Wednesday sent best wishes to citizens who celebrate Christmas according to the Julian calendar and called for solidarity towards people affected by the devastating earthquake in central Croatia.

“I wish a Merry Christmas to all Croatian citizens who celebrate this most joyful Christian holiday according to the Julian calendar.”

This great holiday which calls for family time and closeness among the family members, is being observed this year in difficult circumstances, and our citizens in the quake-hit villages and cities are passing through the most difficult period, the president said.

Let us extend the hand of charity to all those people who cannot celebrate the holiday in their homes and with their families, let us give them hope and let us confirm our love towards every human being, as the most important message of Christmas, the Croatian president says in his message.

“Let this holiday be an opportunity for us to show sincere solidarity to our citizens in distress, which can rekindle optimism and faith that calmer and safer times are coming,” he says.

Tolerance ad mutual understanding are required, Milanovic said adding that humanity and big heart shown by Croatia in the most distressing periods give rise to hope that all the citizens would build a harmonious and responsible society.

He concluded the message with the traditional greeting “Mir Bozji, Hristos se rodi!”.