Metropolitan Ignatius of Saratov and Volsk has sent Christmas greetings to Saratov State University.

‘Accept my congratulations on the greatest celebration of the Church, the Nativity of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!

From the bottom of my heart, I wish you real, full of Christmas joy – the joy of God's great love for people. He incarnated for us, bore His earthly labours for us, ascended the Cross for us, died, and resurrected, conquering death. Can we then doubt that He will not leave us, who rely on Him, in our earthly sorrows and hardships?

I wish you peace of heart, firmness in trials, family warmth, and well-being!’