Belarus celebrates Christmas in Orthodox

In Minsk and in the monasteries of Mount Athos, as well as in the Jerusalem, Serbian, Georgian, and Polish Orthodox Churches, Christmas is celebrated on January 7 according to the Orthodox calendar. In the city center, Metropolitan Veniamin, the Patriarchal Exarch of Belarus, led religious services at the Holy Spirit Cathedral, where the Divine Liturgy and Great Vespers were held. Hundreds of thousands of believers gathered at the site to celebrate the holiday together. According to K. Pavlova, Belarusians celebrate Christmas with great enthusiasm and devotion, uniting faith and tradition.

Context

Orthodox Christmas is celebrated on January 7 according to the Julian calendar.