His Eminence Metropolitan of Montenegro and the Littoral, Mr. Joanikije, last night, January 10, greeting the dear guests at the traditional Christmas reception he organized in the crypt of the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in Podgorica, wished that the Infant Christ would bring everyone joy, health, happiness, mutual brotherly and sisterly harmony and love, and that the Christmas joy that encompasses Heaven and Earth would be transformed into our everyday lives, bringing us closer and reconciling, both with God and with each other.
The reception was attended by the President of Montenegro, Mr. Jakov Milatović, President of the Parliament of Montenegro Mr. Andrija Mandić, Deputy Prime Minister of Montenegro Ms. Momo Koprivica, Mayor of the Capital City of Podgorica Mr. Saša Mujović, as well as mayors of other municipalities, ministers in the Government of Montenegro, ambassadors and representatives of embassies, members of parliament, presidents of political parties and representatives of the diplomatic corps in Montenegro.
As in previous years, this year's Christmas reception was attended by representatives of traditional religious communities in Montenegro: the Roman Catholic Church, Archbishop of Bar Monsignor Rok Đonlešaj, the Islamic Community, Imam Džemal Dacić, President of the Jewish Community in Montenegro Ms. Nina Ofner.
Welcome speech by His Eminence Archbishop of Cetinje Metropolitan of Montenegro and the Littoral Mr. Joanikije we are transmitting in full:
,,God's Peace - Christ is Born!
Respected President of Montenegro, Respected President of the Assembly of Montenegro, His Eminence Archbishop of Bar, Your Eminences, Respected Effendijo Dacic, Respected President of the Jewish Community, Ladies and Gentlemen, Ministers and Deputies, Your Excellencies, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Cultural Workers, Dear Friends, Dear Brothers and Sisters.
Welcome to celebrate the joy of Christmas in this way, the joy that the Lord Jesus Christ brought to this world with His birth. The Logos became flesh - the gospel of Saint John the Theologian. God took on human nature for the sake of us humans and for the sake of our salvation.
To establish salvation for us in human nature, to grant us forgiveness of sins, to reconcile us with God and to reconcile us with one another. That is why at the holy services we sing the Christmas song, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men of good will."
This year we celebrated the Nativity of Christ very modestly, but in the joy of the Holy Spirit. Due to the great sorrow that befell Cetinje and Montenegro, we canceled all our usual festivities except for the holy services and the basic Christmas customs. The Lord Jesus Christ himself taught us this modesty, because He came down from the heights of heaven to unite with our modesty, to return us, who had become alienated from God and sat in the shadow and darkness of death, to the arms of our heavenly Father.
In that humility, we recognized the love of God that illuminated us this time as well, and the joy of the Holy Spirit united us all, and through this universal sorrow, we, by the grace of God, became closer to one another. We glorify the One who alone can comfort the mourners, to share every sorrow and every pain with those who are in misery and misfortune. He alone can heal such human wounds and such misfortunes. Celebrating the Nativity of Christ, we prayed to God most for those who most need God's mercy and help. We celebrated Christmas and God's mercy that came to embrace the entire world, the righteous and the sinners, the sad and the mournful, the healthy and the rich, the old and the young, the youth, and especially the children. We opened our hearts to our neighbors, we opened our souls so that the God-infant Christ could dwell in them. May He illuminate our souls and our hearts with His eternal love, life and His eternal light. We thank you for coming to extend the joy of Christmas in this way. We thank you for your love, for your attention, for your efforts, and may the Infant Christ reward you all for your love.
We wish everyone good health, happiness, progress in every respect and success in all your efforts. We wish Montenegro and the whole world as much peace, as much brotherly harmony and as much mutual understanding as possible. May the Infant Christ with His love and with His blessings and heavenly wealth, heavenly graces, enter your homes, your hearts, your families and bless your offspring.
We thank you with all our hearts.
Peace of God, Christ is born! ”

With His Eminence Metropolitan Joanikije, the guests were welcomed by His Eminence Bishop of Budimlje-Nikšić Mr. Methodius, as well as His Eminence Bishop of Diocletia, Mr. Paisius.
Boris Musić