'Feel the difference': Polish President congratulated Orthodox Poles on Christmas Day

On January 6, 2025, the official website of the President of the Republic of Poland published a Christmas greeting, which the Head of State Andrzej Duda addressed to the Primate, clergy and faithful of the Polish Orthodox Church. The majority of the POC celebrates Christmas on January 7, the old style, and therefore the President of Poland congratulated the Orthodox Poles on the eve. The text of the greeting was published on the website of the President of Poland.

“Honorable archbishops, clerics, monastics and respected faithful laity of the Orthodox Church and the Eastern Churches in Poland! The homes, parishes, Orthodox churches and monasteries of Christians of the Eastern tradition are today enveloped in great joy, expressed in the Orthodox Slavonic language by the words “Christ is born!”. Preceded by a 40-day fast, solemnly celebrated in churches and family homes, rejoicing in numerous ancient customs and rituals and special mutual hospitality, Christmas brings deep peace and inspiration, makes us forget about disputes and worries, and opens our hearts to the needs of others. The special solemn liturgy, the traditional food and decorations, the joy of children and the touching memories of adults all create the special atmosphere of these days. May it be a time spent with your loved ones in happiness, abundance and good health — and at the same time, may it herald every good fortune in the year 2025 that begins. May Christians of different denominations throughout our homeland treat each other with respect and friendly openness, supporting each other in service and work for the common good,” — the President of Poland wrote in his congratulatory message.

We will remind, earlier we reported that Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated Ukrainians on Christmas in the new style. The Head of State claims that for the second year in a row Ukrainians celebrate this holiday “on the same date”, meaning December 25 on the Gregorian calendar, and this factor is unifying for the country. At the same time, it draws attention to the fact that the President of Ukraine has not reacted in any way to Christmas in the old style. Neither on January 6, nor on January 7, the official mass media of the Office of the President of Ukraine did not react in any way to the fact that one third of the country’s population celebrates this holiday according to the Julian calendar.