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Orthodox Christians around the globe celebrated Christmas on January 7, 2026, following the Julian calendar. From major cities to remote villages, communities marked the day with religious ceremonies, cultural traditions, and festive gatherings.
This gallery showcases how Orthodox Christmas was celebrated across different countries:
Ethiopia: Addis Ababa
Worshippers gathered at Meskel Square on the eve of Orthodox Christmas in Addis Ababa. Ethiopian Orthodox Christians celebrate with prayers, processions, and community gatherings in the capital.
Palestine: Bethlehem
Scout bands paraded through Manger Square outside the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. The city comes alive during Orthodox Christmas with parades and festivities around the historic church.
Georgia: Tbilisi
People attended a Christmas service outside the Kashveti Church of St George in Tbilisi. Georgian Orthodox Christians gather for prayers and ceremonies, marking the day with reverence and community spirit.
Egypt: Cairo
A Coptic Orthodox bishop led Christmas prayers at Archangel Michael Church in Cairo. The celebrations included hymns, processions, and church gatherings that brought local communities together.
Iran: Tehran
Armenian Christians attended a service at St Sarkis Armenian Cathedral in Tehran. The Orthodox community in Iran celebrates with church services and gatherings, preserving cultural traditions.
Serbia: Belgrade
People burned dried oak branches, symbolizing the Yule log, on Christmas Eve in front of the Church of St Sava in Belgrade. Serbians observe this ancient tradition as part of their Christmas rituals.
Russia: St Petersburg
A woman lit a candle during a Christmas service at the Kronstadt Naval Cathedral in St Petersburg. Russian Orthodox Christians participate in candlelit services to mark the festive occasion.
Syria: Aleppo
Worshippers received communion during a Christmas service at the Syriac Orthodox Church in Sulaimaniyah, Aleppo. The celebrations included prayers and community gatherings despite ongoing challenges in the region.
North Macedonia: Skopje
Orthodox Christians attended a Christmas Eve service at the Church of St Clement of Ohrid in Skopje. The faithful gathered for prayers, hymns, and reflection, keeping traditions alive in the city.
These images and celebrations highlight the diverse cultural and religious traditions of Orthodox Christmas across the world, emphasizing faith, community, and festive spirit.
