Georgian Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas

Members of the Georgian Orthodox Church, together with part of the Orthodox world, celebrate Christmas today according to the Julian calendar.

The special liturgy commenced at Tbilisi's Holy Trinity Cathedral at midnight as Georgia's Patriarch Ilia II led the annual ceremony.

The followers of the Georgian Orthodox Church, including President Giorgi Margvelashvili, Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili and other members of the Cabinet, joined the celebration at the Cathedral.

The Georgian leaders attend the special Christmas liturgy at Holy Trinity Cathedral. Photo by PM's press office

Delivering the customary Christmas Epistle, Ilia II outlined a number of issues, including:

• Importance of faith and the role of church in people's lives;
• Elaboration of effective anti-drug policy for the youth;
• Improvement of demographic situation in Georgia.

On Christmas night, believers also light candles in their homes and place them next to the windows so that the light may be seen from outside. 

This tradition is observed in memory of the biblical story of Virgin Mary and Joseph, who searched for a shelter to give birth to Jesus Christ. Photo by S. Modebadze

The midnight church service is traditionally followed by the morning march in the streets, called 'Alilo', during which participants sing Christmas carols, exchange gifts and give clothes, food and other items to the needy.

Georgia celebrates Christmas on January 7 due to the two week difference between the Gregorian and Julian Calendars.