USU PR - Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) held the 2021 Oikoumene Christmas Celebration with the theme "Be Strong to Share Loves and Peace". Held at the USU Chapel on Sunday (12/12/2021), this celebration was filled with a sermon by Ps. Jose Carol and attended by the Governor of North Sumatra Edy Rahmayadi.

In his remarks, USU Rector Dr. Muryanto Amin, S.Sos., M.Si., conveyed a Merry Christmas to all USU Christian academics. He hopes that the momentum of this celebration can be a driving force in development to realize an advanced, just and prosperous Indonesia.

 "Although we are still on vigilance and under the shadow of a pandemic that is not yet fully over, I hope that all of us can renew and increase the spirit of brotherhood, tolerance and sincere respect among religious communities in Indonesia," the Rector said.

 He added that Indonesia is a country where people are given the freedom and independence to embrace a different religion, and this right is guaranteed by law. So the roots of Indonesia's pluralism should be cared for by continuing to develop the spirit of togetherness on top of existing pluralism.

 “Within these differences, we must be able to find common ground that binds us together as a nation that works hand in hand in supporting development. With unity, believe me, we will definitely be able to achieve the big goals that our founding fathers aspired to in the past,” said Dr. Muryanto.

 The Rector asked to cultivate an attitude of tolerance and mutual respect, so as not to be clashed by irresponsible groups.

 “Diversity is the key to enormous strength to support our efforts in pursuit of lofty goals. For USU, the goal is focused on developing the campus into an international standard university, characterized by local excellence," he said.

 With this 2021 Christmas and New Year celebration, Dr. Muryanto appealed to the entire academic community to be closer together, unite their vision and work hand in hand in advancing USU.

 “I believe that each of us has great potential which, when put together, will be a tremendous force for USU to realize all of its strategic plans to be recognized as a world-renowned university. Let's pray that this can be realized soon," he said.

 In line with this, the Chairperson of USU Christian Holidays, Prof. Dr. Albiner hopes that this Christmas celebration can strengthen the solidarity of the entire USU academic community, to be able to make peace and strengthen love in the implementation of the Tridharma of Higher Education.

 "In the future, we in the USU family will increasingly show their achievements for one of our goals, USU towards campus internationalization through scientific publications and innovative writings that can provide solutions," said Prof. Albiner. (©ULC)

Author: Bambang Riyanto - Humas

Interviewee: - - -

Photographer: Irsan Mulyadi - Humas