The article highlights the distinct traditions and ceremonies observed by Orthodox Christians globally amidst a backdrop of cultural and political contexts.
Orthodox Christians Around the World Observe Christmas Traditions
Orthodox Christians Around the World Observe Christmas Traditions
Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ on January 7, many Orthodox Christians partake in diverse religious ceremonies.
In pictures: Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas. Orthodox Christians around the world have marked Christmas by attending church services. While the majority of the Christian world celebrates Christmas Day on 25 December, for many of the world's 200 million Orthodox Christians, the birth of Jesus Christ is commemorated on 7 January. This variation arises from their adherence to the Julian calendar, unlike other Christian denominations that follow the Gregorian calendar.
In Syria's capital, Damascus, a woman receives Holy Communion at the Armenian Apostolic Church of Mar Sarkis, representing the first Christmas celebrated by Syrians following the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Meanwhile, in Egypt, a priest from the Coptic Orthodox Church, the Middle East’s largest Christian community, interacts with worshippers at the Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church in Cairo.
Celebrations extend to the United Arab Emirates, where young worshippers light candles during Orthodox Christmas Eve festivities in Sharjah. Earlier, believers gathered at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, located in the occupied West Bank, believed to be Jesus' birthplace. In Ethiopia, candles are lit, and hymns are sung at Addis Ababa's Bole Medhanialem Church.
In Russia, millions join in Christmas celebrations with President Vladimir Putin observed at St George's Church in Moscow. The festive atmosphere is palpable with decorations adorning the streets. In Serbia, Prince Philip participated in a traditional ceremony in Belgrade, showcasing a burning oak branch or badnjak. Similarly, Armenian apostolic Christians came together in Yerevan at St Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral, while Georgian Christians lit candles in Tbilisi to join the festive observances.
In Syria's capital, Damascus, a woman receives Holy Communion at the Armenian Apostolic Church of Mar Sarkis, representing the first Christmas celebrated by Syrians following the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Meanwhile, in Egypt, a priest from the Coptic Orthodox Church, the Middle East’s largest Christian community, interacts with worshippers at the Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church in Cairo.
Celebrations extend to the United Arab Emirates, where young worshippers light candles during Orthodox Christmas Eve festivities in Sharjah. Earlier, believers gathered at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, located in the occupied West Bank, believed to be Jesus' birthplace. In Ethiopia, candles are lit, and hymns are sung at Addis Ababa's Bole Medhanialem Church.
In Russia, millions join in Christmas celebrations with President Vladimir Putin observed at St George's Church in Moscow. The festive atmosphere is palpable with decorations adorning the streets. In Serbia, Prince Philip participated in a traditional ceremony in Belgrade, showcasing a burning oak branch or badnjak. Similarly, Armenian apostolic Christians came together in Yerevan at St Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral, while Georgian Christians lit candles in Tbilisi to join the festive observances.
