You're reading: President asking Ukrainians to pray for soldiers on Christmas

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko in his video address has congratulated Ukrainians on Orthodox Christmas. 

“Dear Ukrainians! I heartily congratulate you on Christmas … Our country has been a part of the Christian European civilization for more than a thousand years, but it is now being born again and our plans to build a better life for all citizens of Ukraine will come true only provided that we shall respect our Lord, we shall not violate the holy commandments,” the head of state said.

Poroshenko asked Ukrainians to pray for the soldiers who defend Ukraine on this Christmas Day.

“The deepest essence of today’s holiday is faith, hope, love, and most of all peace,” the president said.