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

Your Holiness,

Let me extend my sincere congratulations on the occasion of the great Christian holiday of Epiphany to you personally, to all Orthodox Christians, members of the Holy Synod of Bishops and all the clergy and monks.

Marking the day when St. John the Baptist baptized Jesus in the waters of the Jordan River we celebrate our spiritual birth. Rejoicing Christ's baptism and sanctifying the Macedonian waters we continue the tradition of our forefathers and reaffirm our faith in the values of repentance and purification, as well as of sharing goodness and love.

The Macedonian Orthodox Church, nurturing the tradition, religious and cultural specificities, gives us faith to endure in the everyday challenges and temptations, advocating respect for religious and spiritual values. Purification of the human soul means celebrating the beautiful thoughts and deeds, philanthropy and charity. The symbolism of purity strengthens our faith to continue to respect religious diversity and religious specificities according to the Christian principles of peace, unity and harmony.

Your Holiness, congratulating you the Epiphany, I wish you good health, spiritual peace and tranquility. I wish the Orthodox Christian believers peace, tranquility and respect for true values.

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov