His Eminence Archbishop of Cetinje Metropolitan of Montenegro and the Littoral Mr. Joanikije, on January 12, 2026, the summer of the Lord, organized a traditional Christmas reception for representatives of religious communities, social, political, cultural life and the diplomatic corps in Montenegro in the crypt of the Cathedral of Christ's Resurrection in Podgorica.

Addressing numerous guests, His Eminence Metropolitan Joanikije said that the more Christ's peace is in us, the more secure the peace that peacemakers build in this world will be. According to his words, the Church of Christ always prays for the salvation of the whole world, especially for peace among people and nations of the earth, and rejoices at every sincere call for reconciliation, although such calls are rarely heard in this world filled with war accidents and deaths.

The reception was attended by the President of the Parliament of Montenegro, Mr. Andrija Mandic; Deputy Prime Ministers of the Government of Montenegro: Aleksa Bečić, Budimir Aleksić, Milun Zogović, Momo Koprivica and Filip Ivanović; the mayor of the capital city of Podgorica, Mr. Saša Mujović, President of the Assembly of the Capital City Jelena Borovinić Bojović, mayors of municipalities, ministers in the Government of Montenegro, ambassadors and representatives of embassies, MPs, presidents of political parties and representatives of the diplomatic corps in Montenegro. As in previous years, the Christmas reception was also attended by representatives of traditional religious communities in Montenegro: Roman Catholic Church - Archbishop of Bar, Monsignor Mr. Rok Đonlešaj, Islamic Community - Mr. Amer Šukurica, director of the Madrasah in Podgorica, as well as the chief rabbi of the Jewish community in Montenegro, Mr. Luciano Moše Prelevic.

During the reception, the Choir of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Mark from Podgorica, conducted by Ljudmila Radović, performed several compositions.

Welcome letter from the Most Reverend Archbishop of Cetinje, Metropolitan of Montenegro and the Littoral, Mr. We quote Joaniki in full:

"Peace of God - Christ is born!

Your Eminence, Your Eminence, the Most Eminent Archbishop of Bar, representatives of Islam and representatives of the Jewish religious community in Montenegro, Mr. Representatives of the Parliament of Montenegro, Mr. Vice-Presidents of the Parliament of Montenegro, Mr. Vice-Presidents of the Government of Montenegro, Mr. Ministers, Your Excellencies, Mr. People's Deputies, Mr. Mayor of Podgorica, Mr. Presidents of Municipalities, Honorable Rectors of the University of Montenegro, Reverend Fathers, Dear Brothers and sisters,

The Feast of the Nativity of Christ rejoices both Heaven and Earth. Choirs of Angels appear from heaven and over the cradle of the Infant Christ, singing a sublime song: Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill among men. The wise men from the east came to Bethlehem, guided by a star, to worship Jesus as the Savior of the world. Harmless and pure-hearted shepherds wordless flock from the field of Bethlehem, they came to glorify the Messiah and the eternal Shepherd of human souls. The prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled: A Child is born to us, a Son is given to us, on whose shoulder is the power, and His name will be: Wonderful, Angel of Great Counsel, Mighty God, Father of the future age and Prince of Peace. These epithets only befit the Son of God born of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, whom she herself called Emmanuel - which means: God is with us. Archangel Gabriel said to give him the name Jesus, which means Savior.

When we remember this miraculous event that took place in the distant past, we know that the Nativity of Christ mysteriously permeates with its Divine power and effect not only the ancient past, but also our present and future, all times and all ages. The Eternal entered time, not to abolish it, but to sanctify and enlighten it. He appeared as a Great Seer, like Sun of righteousness and Light of life to those who walk in darkness and dwell in the shadow of death. The newborn Christ entered the womb of life to reborn human nature with his overall work of salvation, to cleanse it of sin, to renew and redeem it, to enlighten and unite us with his spirit, to save and immortalize us.

By his birth in the darkness of the Bethlehem cave and his acceptance of being laid in the manger, he showed that he willingly accepts our humiliation and suffering, that he frees and exalts us with his condescension, that he destroys death and hell and that he gives us eternal life, joy and victory with his Resurrection.

Our Savior testified his love with the Cross, which is why St. John the Theologian, looking at Christ's home of salvation, announced thunderously: God is love! And with those words, he showed who and what our God is like and what our holy faith is.

Our people have a habit of celebrating big holidays, especially before Christmas we ask for forgiveness from others, so that they may welcome the holiday in brotherly love and that heavenly peace may settle in our hearts and in our families, and so that it may spread throughout the whole earth. It is not the peace that people create through social contract and the force of law, which we need, but unfortunately is unstable, but the peace of God that surpasses all understanding.

If there is this Divine peace in our hearts, it will also spread to the world. In other words, the more Christ's peace is in us, the more secure will be the peace that peacemakers build in this world. We always pray for the salvation of the whole world, especially for peace among people and nations of the earth. We look forward to any sincere invitation for reconciliation. Although such calls are rarely heard in this world filled with war accidents and deaths, although the cry for peace in today's world remains like the voice of one crying in the desert, we sincerely join those quiet voices, with the hope that the Lord will hear them and fulfill them so that we all celebrate the Birth of Christ, the King of peace and the King of the ages, with the song of angels and people: Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among men goodwill! With these thoughts, we greet all you dear guests, dear brothers and sisters, with the wish that God's grace and glory of this holiday accompany you in all the days of your life.

Peace of God - Christ is born!"

Text, photo: Boris Music