Archbishop Opens Christmas Season, Notes 'Crisis of Trust'
The archbishop of the Lutheran Church, Andres Põder, marked the third Sunday of Advent yesterday, speaking next to a Christmas tree at the town center of Jõgeva.
A crowd of townsfolk gathered, bundled up in winter clothes, to hear music and launch sky lanterns.
In his statement, Põder noted the social turmoil of late and called for people to take Christmastime as an opportunity for restoration.
"The ending year has developed under economic and social instability,“ Põder said.
"The crisis of trust has expanded to a downright threatening magnitude, and darkened our people's future. The lack of trust has also undermined the foundation of many of our families and homes. The best solution for this is the path of reconciliation, change of heart, and forgiveness – the path of Christmas peace.“