"In Azerbaijan, known for its rich traditions of tolerance, representatives of different nations and religions have lived in peace, mutual respect and trust for hundreds of years. We assess the ethnic and religious diversity, which is one of the predominant qualities of our society, as an unprecedented achievement of our statehood. The preservation of the atmosphere of democratic coexistence prevailing in our country, the promotion of progressive public values based on the principles of humanism and tolerance are among the priority directions of our public policy," said President Ilham Aliyev in his congratulatory message to the Orthodox Christian community of Azerbaijan.

"It is commendable that our Christian compatriots, taking advantage of the broad opportunities created by the exemplary relations between the state and religion, are keeping their unique traditions, language and culture alive, are closely involved in the large-scale construction works carried out in our country and in all areas of our public and political life together with representatives of other faiths," the head of state noted.