Orthodox Christians gathered this week in Bethlehem, the town acknowledged because the birthplace of Jesus, for Christmas.
Not like most different Christian denominations, the Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas on January 7. This date displays their adherence to the Julian calendar launched by Julius Caesar in 45 BC.
Greater than 200 million Christians worldwide are affiliated with Orthodox church buildings, with the bulk based mostly in Japanese Europe, together with giant communities in Russia and Ukraine. These Christians comply with the Julian calendar, distinguishing them from denominations that commemorate Christmas on December 25 based on the Gregorian calendar.
Ceremonies and processions for this occasion are held everywhere in the world, from Cairo to Moscow.
On Christmas Day, the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem was welcomed by a respectful gathering of believers within the historic Bethlehem Sq. Jeslicek.
The celebration was noticeably subdued, marked by a modest procession with whistles and few festive decorations on the streets.
This yr's celebration occurred in opposition to the backdrop of the continued battle in Gaza. The conflict, which has raged for greater than 12 months with no ceasefire in sight, has taken a heavy toll on the area. The violence, which occurred only a quick distance away, solid a somber tone on the celebrations.
Regardless of these challenges, Orthodox Christians have remained dedicated to their historical traditions, drawing power from their non secular beliefs and the significance of having the ability to categorical them in Bethlehem.
