Home | First lady | Activities of Silvia Gašparovičová | Year 2008 | Slovak scouts brought Bethlehem light
President of Slovakia Ivan Gašparovič together with his wife Silvia welcomed on December 14, 2008 in the Presidential Palace Slovak scouts, who handed to them Bethlehem light - the flame from the Church of the Nativity in the Holy Land.
The tradition of carrying the flame was established in neighboring Austria. In Slovakia, this practice extended after 1990 and it´s the 19th time this year that children scouts bring the light into cities and villages throughout Slovakia. Bethlehem light is a symbol of hope, love and happiness. For many people it became a part of Christmas.
Ľubomír Ondrušek, the Slovak Scouting chief, pointed out that Bethlehem light is a value of peace and understanding that are still relevant and we should not forget them. "From a small flame in Bethlehem this light reaches the millions. The flame can ignite an expression of love and understanding among people who previously didn´t know each other. Bethlehem light is for all people with open hearts, who have peace within them and who spread peace and understanding into the hearts of others. "
President along with his wife overhanded the Bethlehem light with joy and as he said he´s happy that this tradition settled down in Slovakia. "I will always be delighted if someone in these festive Christmas days lights a candle from this flame. Thank you for having brought the light, but also for the fact, that you mention the light to people as a symbol of mutual respect, humility and even obligation to help one another.“ |
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