Orthodox believers to mark Christmas

As Orthodox believers prepare for Christmas Day (January 7), many worshippers across the country are taking part in midnight services.

A special Mass is being celebrated at Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Moscow, led by acting head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Kirill.

The celebration follows a 40-day fast, only broken on Christmas Eve when the first star appears.

Russians welcome Christmas Day on the January 7, according to the Julian calendar.

Along with Russia, Orthodox Christmas is marked across Eastern Europe and by Orthodox churches around the world.

A liturgy in Moscow‘s Christ the Saviour Cathedral will be held by Metropolitan Kirill, who currently heads the Russian Orthodox Church after the death of Patriarch Aleksy II on December 5. A successor to Patriarch Aleksy II will be chosen by February this year.

The Christmas address by Patriarch Aleksy II signed shortly before his death will be read out in cathedrals on the night. Read Article