Orthodox Christians, numbering around 200 million globally, observed Christmas on January 7, adhering to the Julian calendar as opposed to the Gregorian calendar followed by most.
Orthodox Christians Around the World Celebrate Christmas
Orthodox Christians Around the World Celebrate Christmas
Orthodox Christians mark the birth of Jesus Christ with vibrant celebrations and church services.
In pictures, the vibrant celebrations of Orthodox Christmas were captured across continents from the Middle East to Eastern Europe, showcasing diverse cultural traditions and religious observances.
Orthodox Christians around the world celebrated Christmas on January 7, with communities engaged in fervent church services and festive traditions. The significance of this day was marked prominently in regions where Orthodox customs thrive, highlighting the cultural and spiritual richness of their celebrations.
In Damascus, Syria, worshippers attended the Armenian Apostolic Church of Mar Sarkis for the first Christmas since the departure of long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad, bringing a sense of renewal and hope. Meanwhile, the Coptic Orthodox Church in Egypt saw a priest walking through the congregation at the Archangel Michael Church in Cairo, symbolizing faith amid ongoing challenges.
Believers across the United Arab Emirates participated in Christmas Eve traditions, lighting candles and offering prayers. In Bethlehem, a profound gathering at the Church of the Nativity honored the birthplace of Jesus, drawing attention from numerous pilgrims and religious leaders.
In Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, congregants celebrated joyfully at Bole Medhanialem Church, enveloped in song and light, while in Russia, President Vladimir Putin joined in the festivities at St. George's Church in Moscow.
The heart of Europe saw Prince Philip in Serbia hold the traditional oak branch in Belgrade, embodying centuries-old customs, and in Armenia, faithful filled St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral to partake in sacred observances. Georgian Christians, too, filled the streets of Tbilisi with candles, reflecting an enduring devotion.
Across cultures and contexts, Orthodox Christmas continues to be a time of deep reverence and communal spirit, showcasing the unifying power of faith and tradition throughout the world.
Orthodox Christians around the world celebrated Christmas on January 7, with communities engaged in fervent church services and festive traditions. The significance of this day was marked prominently in regions where Orthodox customs thrive, highlighting the cultural and spiritual richness of their celebrations.
In Damascus, Syria, worshippers attended the Armenian Apostolic Church of Mar Sarkis for the first Christmas since the departure of long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad, bringing a sense of renewal and hope. Meanwhile, the Coptic Orthodox Church in Egypt saw a priest walking through the congregation at the Archangel Michael Church in Cairo, symbolizing faith amid ongoing challenges.
Believers across the United Arab Emirates participated in Christmas Eve traditions, lighting candles and offering prayers. In Bethlehem, a profound gathering at the Church of the Nativity honored the birthplace of Jesus, drawing attention from numerous pilgrims and religious leaders.
In Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, congregants celebrated joyfully at Bole Medhanialem Church, enveloped in song and light, while in Russia, President Vladimir Putin joined in the festivities at St. George's Church in Moscow.
The heart of Europe saw Prince Philip in Serbia hold the traditional oak branch in Belgrade, embodying centuries-old customs, and in Armenia, faithful filled St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral to partake in sacred observances. Georgian Christians, too, filled the streets of Tbilisi with candles, reflecting an enduring devotion.
Across cultures and contexts, Orthodox Christmas continues to be a time of deep reverence and communal spirit, showcasing the unifying power of faith and tradition throughout the world.
