His Holiness Daniil, Patriarch of Bulgaria and Metropolitan of Sofia, addressed the Orthodox Christians on the eve of the bright Nativity of Christ (Christmas Eve). "Silent in prayer, gathered around the warm hearth, we await the fulfilment of what was foretold to our forefathers many centuries ago - the birth of the Savior", His Holiness Daniil notes with paternal love, emphasizing the significance of this great event – "the beginning of the renewal of mankind and all Creation."

"The Son of God, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, was born as a man from the Holy Spirit and the Blessed Virgin Mary, with a human soul, human body, human mind, human will and human life", recalls Patriarch Daniil.

''This great miracle, this great mystery, stands higher even than the very Creation of the world. Together with the heavenly hosts, from the depths of our souls, we utter aloud: ''Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men''. Glory to God, who did not abandon us. Glory to God, who never forgets us. Glory to God, who became man to save us from sin, decay and death. Glory to God, who became small, humble and restrained in order to uplift, free and save mankind! Glory to God, who brought us His heavenly peace! In times of war, uncertainty and fear for the future, our only hope and comfort is the Lord Jesus Christ. For we have His promise: ''I am with you always, even to the very end of the age!'' Glory to God, who teaches us to have goodwill towards one another", said Patriarch Daniil.

"According to the Bulgarian Patriarch, goodwill is expressed in serving God and our neighbors, but also in repenting for our sins and forgiving one another. In his words, the goodwill is to help our brothers and sisters who are suffering, ill, going through various difficulties and deprivations. It also means putting aside our personal interests and selfish aspirations for the sake of our neighbors and for God. We must have unity in His holy name, Patriarch Daniel reminds us.

"Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, on the eve of the Feast of the Nativity we clearly see the future that God has planned for us – to be with us now and forever. And God is with us. Such is His unchanging goodwill.That is why no one is alone in Christ's Church. Christ is always with us, but may we also be with Him, with our Lord and Savior. The Orthodox faith does not leave people to their own strength, but gives them meaning, purpose, strength and courage to overcome every difficulty, every misfortune, every temptation. May the Nativity of Christ be the beginning of a deep, grace-filled transformation in the way we think and live, in our relationship with God and with our neighbors. Let the living faith, humility, sincere repentance and humanity turn our hearts into a manger to cradle the newborn Saviour and may we have life in His name''.

Happy Nativity of Christ!

May you have a peaceful, blessed and salvific New Year!