Merry Christmas!

More than two thousand years ago, a special star shone in the sky, indicating that an extraordinary baby was born on earth - the One to Whom the Universe belongs - the King of kings, the Son of God - became a man! Guided by this star, the sages from the East went with gifts to the newborn King, with the hope of seeing Him and worshiping Him. They understood that the fate of humanity was connected with Him, and there was hope for great deliverance. Deliverance from the death sentence for the Fall and return to God for eternal life with Him.

On Christmas night, the army of the Heavenly Kingdom began to move and in solemn glorification of God proclaimed the good news for all people: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!” The angel who frightened the Bethlehem shepherds told them: “Do not be afraid! I bring you great joy that will be for all people! For today a Savior has been born to you in the city of David, who is Christ the Lord!” There is a basis for comforting hope for people; now they can look to the future with joy.

The elder Simeon, waiting for consolation, that is, waiting for consolation in the coming of the Messiah, held the baby Jesus in his arms, thanking God that he was worthy to see the One for whom he had been waiting for so long.

The birth of Christ can be called a holiday of hope and consolation. Our brotherhood has decided to call 2024 the Year of Hope and Consolation. This is something that today's world really needs. Sin and spiritual corruption lead to what we see today in human society on earth. People are accompanied by the pain of loss, anxiety, fears, anger and other depressing phenomena. People are looking for a consoling outlet, but they often look where there is none. The Word of God says, “For there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

Christ expressed His mission on earth in the words of the prophet Isaiah: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, for He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor, and He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach liberation to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord” (Luke. 4:18-19) . May the Lord help us, who know the source of consolation and hope, to lead those around us who have not yet discovered the source of consolation and hope in Christ!

Once again we congratulate you on a holiday filled with miracles!

Merry Christmas and be blessed!

President Peter Mitskevich & VP Viktor Ignatenkov