"This holiday gives us all hope and faith in the future. Christ is born, and on this day I would like to wish peace and grace to Ukraine. I also wish every Ukrainian family happiness and prosperity," he said after a festive Christmas liturgy at the Holy Dormition Pochayiv Lavra.

Father Superior of the Holy Dormition Pochayiv Lavra Volodymyr wished the President of Ukraine strength and wisdom in performing his duties. "May the Lord grant you wisdom, strength and patience, so that you led your people intelligently," he said, referring to Viktor Yanukovych.

The Archbishop also thanked the President for his assistance in constructing a new building at the monastery territory and repairing the road from Kremenets to Pochayiv.