Statement by Minister Rodriguez on Orthodox Christmas

OTTAWA, January 7, 2019

Today, Orthodox Christians and Eastern Catholics in Canada and around the world mark Christmas, one of the most important celebrations on the Christian calendar. This comes one day after the Armenian Orthodox community’s celebration of the birth and Epiphany of Christ.

The Orthodox and Eastern Catholic churches possess many rich Christmas traditions. During this time of year marked by compassion and generosity, many Canadians gather with family and friends to attend mass, sing, exchange gifts and enjoy Christmas dinner together.

I invite Canadians of all backgrounds to take advantage of this festive period to highlight the cultural strength of the Orthodox Christian and Eastern Catholic communities in Canada. This is a wonderful opportunity to once again show how important diversity is to our country, and to reiterate our gratitude to the many communities that enrich our lives.

As Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism, I would like to wish everyone celebrating Orthodox Christmas a very happy holiday full of peace, health and joy.