I am sincerely congratulating you on this great holiday - Christmas. This is the holiday, which has brought peace, love and possibility of spiritual growth and strenghtening into the world.

Man is God's creation, His image and His likeness; he is a heir of the eternity, who is gifted with multiple talents and chastity. The time for us to live on the Earth is God's blessing. Our earthly life is like a star. The star shines while it is on the firmament. When it falls down from the firmament it bursts into flame and, sometimes, before it reaches the Earth, it stops shining. It is very important how a man lives this life, what he leaves after himself. He is successful if he finds the way to the Lord, which is filled with kindness and love.

The Ukrainian people is going to celebrate the birth of the Savior with happiness and inspiration, because, at least, we can feel ourselves as a nation, which understands its national identity, the nation, which is worthy of great future.

The triumph of the approaching Christmas reminds us of our calling to live according to God's law. It also reminds us of the fact He is our Lord and He is always with us. I wish sincerely that this happy holiday of Christmas, of the birth of our Savior, would bring us closer to mystery God's Love and God's Mercy. I wish the holiday would fill us with peace and comfort. May the New 2007 year be generous for mercy and spiritual happiness!

Chairman of the APSP,

Corresponding Member of the NAS of Ukraine,

Ph. Doctor of Theology,

Ph. Doctor of Technical Science, Full Professor

A.I. Shevchenko