Mesic said in his message that he hoped that an atmosphere of love and peace during the holiday season would be an opportunity for the faithful to renew a spirit of solidarity and goodwill and to find the strength for efforts they invest in advancing their own prosperity and that of their families and their country.
Mesic also conveyed his best wishes to the Serb Orthodox metropolitan bishop of Zagreb, Ljubljana and Italy, Jovan, saying that "Christmas makes us turn to one another, revealing to us the importance of and the need for the togetherness of people based on justice, peace, safety and solidarity".
Mesic said that the Serb Orthodox faithful and clergy under Jovan's pastoral leadership had made a substantial contribution to the prosperity and common good of all citizens of Croatia.
"With the Christmas greeting of 'Christ is born!' I extend my cordial greetings and best wishes to you, all episcopal priests and faithful of the Serb Orthodox Church in the Republic of Croatia," the Croatian president said in his message.