Christian Orthodox believers celebrate Christmas

Besides, a series of Orthodox churches which do not depend on the Russian Orthodox Church, celebrate Christmas on December 25 together with Christians of other denominations.

A period of fast precedes the celebration. Believers limit themselves in food. The strictest fast is held on the night before Christmas. It finishes "after the first star", which appears in the sky on the holy night. A big candle which symbolizes the Bethlehem Star is brought to the people during the Christmas mass. Believers keep fast till this very moment.


Christmastide starts on January 7 - the period of Christmas celebration. It ends on January 19 - on the Epiphany of Christ.