Orthodox Christians Worldwide Celebrate Christmas on January 7

This year, millions of Orthodox Christians followed their customs and traditions, attending services and festivities to celebrate Christmas on January 7, as per the Julian calendar.

Orthodox Christians from around the globe gathered this week to celebrate Christmas on January 7, adhering to the Julian calendar. The festivities began with church services where millions expressed their faith in traditional rituals that mark this special day.

In Syria, believers received Holy Communion at the Armenian Apostolic Church in Damascus, making this the first Christmas celebration since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, a moment of hope for many. The Coptic Orthodox Church in Egypt witnessed a similar gathering, with a priest leading worshippers at the Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church in Cairo.

In the United Arab Emirates, a young worshipper joyously lit a candle during the Christmas Eve celebrations in Sharjah, while in Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity, religious leaders and believers came together to honor the birthplace of Jesus Christ.

In Ethiopia, worshippers sang hymns and held candles at Bole Medhanialem Church in Addis Ababa. In Russia, President Vladimir Putin celebrated at St George’s Church in Moscow, and the streets of the capital sparkled with festive decorations.

In Serbia, ceremonies were marked by the presence of Prince Philip, who participated in the traditional badnjak ceremony, and in Yerevan, Armenian apostolic Christians filled St Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral for a service. Meanwhile, Christians in Tbilisi lit candles, joining in the festive spirit of the day.

The Orthodox Christmas celebrations reflect the rich tapestry of customs and cultural expressions held by communities worldwide, reinforcing their faith and unity during this significant time of year.