The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov on the occasion of the great Christian holiday, Epiphany, sent a congratulation note to the Head of the Macedonian Orthodox Church, Archbishop of Ohrid and Macedonia H.H. Stefan and to the Christian believers:

Your Holiness,

Let me extend my most sincere and cordial regards to you personally, to the members of the Holy Synod of the Macedonian Orthodox Church and to all Orthodox believers in the Republic of Macedonia, on the occasion of the great Christian holiday - Epiphany.

Macedonia is a country where tradition lives and is the source of our strength and unity. Celebration of Epiphany is a testament to the depth and strength of our belief in unity and strength of spirit, repentance and purification, kindness and love among people.

Today, when Orthodox believers in Macedonia mark the day when St. John the Baptist baptized Jesus Christ in the waters of the River Jordan, we dedicate ourselves to the objective to live according to centuries-old moral principles, to respect and support each other, to walk the path of light and mutual trust.

The traditions of our forefathers convey the secret for a happy and productive life. The symbolism of the purity of the water and in memory of the baptism of Jesus, may this great holiday be for all of us yet another strong incentive to live in peace and harmony, with sincere souls and pure thought.

I hope this holiday will bring peace, tranquility and family joy to all citizens of the Republic of Macedonia.

Many happy returns of this great Christian holiday Epiphany!

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov