Orthodox Christians worldwide celebrate Nativity of Christ

Today, Orthodox Christians celebrate one of the most important holidays – the Nativity of Christ, a holiday associated with the birth of the Savior.

On the night of January 7, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow held the services of Great Compline and the Divine Liturgy. The service was led by Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus'.

He described the Nativity of Christ as a feast of "hope, peace, and quiet joy", recalling believers of the "lofty Christian calling to be the “light to the world and the salt of the earth”".

"In congratulating all of you on the feast of Christ’s Nativity, I wish you, my beloved, bodily strength and unfading joy in the Saviour Who has been born."Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ"",

Head of the Russian Orthodox Church said.

Since the year 2000, Russian President Vladimir Putin has traditionally attended a Christmas service at a church in the Moscow region. This year, he was joined by military personnel and their families.

In his Christmas greeting published on the Kremlin website, the head of state noted that this holiday illuminates the world with the light of kindness and love, giving millions of people hope and the joy of communion with the spiritual traditions of our forebears, passed down from generation to generation.

"I would like to note with deep appreciation the immense and truly unique contribution made by the Russian Orthodox Church and other Christian denominations to strengthening social unity, preserving our rich historical and cultural heritage, and fostering the patriotic and moral upbringing of young people",

Vladimir Putin said.

The President wished Orthodox Christians success, health, and all the best.

President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov also extended congratulations to the Orthodox communities of their countries.

"Christmas traditions, which carry moral ideals, constitute an integral part of our rich cultural and spiritual heritage, strengthen the bond between generations, and help build Belarus’ future on the principles of peace and harmony",

Lukashenko said.

"Orthodoxy makes an important contribution to strengthening interfaith harmony in our country and educating the younger generation in the spirit of patriotism, hard work and family values",

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.

"The Orthodox community in the Kyrgyz Republic makes a significant contribution to preserving interfaith harmony, spiritual richness, and cultural diversity of our society. I sincerely appreciate your commitment to the ideals of mutual understanding, unity, and creativity for the sake of our country's common future",

Sadyr Japarov said.

Earlier, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev congratulated his compatriots on Christmas.

"Christmas symbolizes renewal, purity, feelings of compassion and mercy. On this bright day, I once again congratulate all of you and wish your families happiness, abundance and blessings",

Ilham Aliyev said.

Christmas is also celebrated today in Georgia, where over 80% of the population adheres to Orthodox Christianity.

Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili congratulated the country on Christmas.

"I want to congratulate every compatriot, every family, all of Georgia on the radiant feast of the Nativity of Christ. I want to express special gratitude to our Orthodox Church and to His Holiness, our Patriarch, and congratulate him, thanking him for the fact that faith and Orthodox Christianity are so strong and firm in our nation. I wish happiness to every citizen of Georgia and every compatriot",

Mikheil Kavelashvili said.

Solemn services were held in all Orthodox churches in Georgia, and on the afternoon of January 7, the traditional "Alilo" procession will take place in Tbilisi. It will begin at 2:00 PM from First Republic Square and conclude at Sameba Cathedral.

Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II congratulated the belivers on the holiday and noted the great importance of Christianity for the Georgian people.

"The proclamation of Christianity as the state religion was the result of the faith that was sown in our people since the time of the apostles, that is, since the first century. <…> The strength of the Georgian people rests on the unity of Christian values, spiritual and civil order, and the choice our country made 1,700 years ago. Preserving these values ​​is not only fidelity to the past, but also the main condition for our correct orientation in the future",

Patriarch Ilia II said.