Georgia 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.

Joined by followers of the Georgian Orthodox Christian Church, including Government officials, the celebration at the Cathedral and in all Orthodox churches of Georgia featured the customary Christmas Epistle by the leader of the Georgian church.

The midnight church service will be followed by traditional march in the streets - called Alilo - with participants singing Christmas carols and exchanging gifts.

The principal Christmas celebration ceremony was commenced by Patriarch of Georgia Ilia II at the Holy Trinity Church in capital Tbilisi.

On Christmas night, the believers will light candles in their homes and place them next to windows, so the light can be seen from outside. This tradition is observed in memory of the biblical story of Joseph and Mary searching for a shelter to give birth to Jesus.

Georgia celebrated Christmas on January 7 due to the two-week difference between Gregorian and Julian Calendars. Religious followers will also celebrate a second New Year on January 14.