By Terry Vanderheyden
OTTAWA, January 6, 2006 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Conservative leader Stephen Harper sent out a second official Christmas greeting to Orthodox and Eastern Rite Catholic Christians in advance of their celebration of Christmas tomorrow; Liberal Prime Minister Paul Martin has yet to wish anyone Merry Christmas meanwhile.
“Many Canadian families of Orthodox and Eastern Rite Catholic faith will be celebrating Christmas on January 7th,” Harper said in a release today. “Christmas is a time to visit with family and friends, to observe rich cultural traditions, and most importantly, to celebrate the birth of Christ. It is a joyful time, and it is a time for pause and reflection.”
“As Canadians, we are all fortunate to live in a country in which the beautiful traditional observances of Eastern Christianity – traditions which date back to the very beginnings of the Christian faith – flourish so proudly,” stated Harper.
“On behalf of my wife Laureen and the Conservative Party of Canada, I would like to wish peace, health, and happiness to all Canadians who are celebrating Christmas this weekend. Merry Christmas!”
Martin, meanwhile, addressed Canadians with a generic “Holiday Message” last month, never once mentioning Christmas – a Christian holiday celebrated by an overwhelming majority of Canadians.