Dear fellow countrymen!
I heartily congratulate you and the entire Christian community of Azerbaijan on the sacred holiday of Easter and convey to each one of you my heartfelt wishes for good health, happiness and calm.
Having historically entrenched in Azerbaijan, heavenly religions have coexisted peacefully in an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust for centuries and played a crucial role in the establishment of such universal values as humanism, solidarity and tolerance in our society. They have contributed to the formation of a perfect environment of religious and ethnic tolerance and the rich traditions of multiculturalism. It is no coincidence that Azerbaijan is currently recognized and accepted throughout the world as a space of dialogue among civilizations and cultures.
The relations between the state and religion in the Republic of Azerbaijan are regulated in accordance with democratic principles and norms of international law. The freedom of religion and conscience is guaranteed to everyone regardless of language, religion and ethnic origin. The religious population of our country, including our citizens of the Christian faith, can openly and freely exercise their religious beliefs and rituals, conduct national holidays and ceremonies, exhibit high activity in all spheres of the public, political, cultural and spiritual life, and in building a civil society in the country.
Dear friends!
The Easter holiday solemnly marked in Azerbaijan every year is a symbol of peace, solidarity and feelings of benevolence and charity. On this auspicious day I once again wish you a wonderful festive mood, and your families joy and prosperity.
Happy holidays!
Ilham Aliyev
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan
Baku city, 17 April 2014
