How will the Georgian Orthodox Church celebrate Christmas during the pandemic?

Alilo, the traditional celebratory Christmas march of Georgians through the streets will not take place on January 7 throughout the regions of Georgia due to the COVID-19 pandemic, though the clergy will drive through the streets, sing Christmas carols and pour holy water on the streets.

The Georgian Patriarchate released an official statement earlier today saying that the Christmas service in the Holy Trinity Church church will be performed by Catholics Patriarch of Georgia Ilia II late tomorrow evening.

The Christmas service will start on January 6 at 11 p.m.

• Traditional Alilo march held in Georgia
• Charitable Christmas Alilo march involves citizens in Tbilisi, regions

Traditionally each year on January 7 Georgian citizens and clerics hold the annual Christmas march Alilo walking through the streets to collect presents for homeless children, needful families and penitentiary facilities.

Alilo is a theatrical march involving participants dressed in costumes of angels and shepherds.

With roots dating back to the 5th century, Alilo was resurrected as a public celebration in recent years by Patriarch of Georgia Ilia II.

The Georgian government has called on the public earlier today not to forget about personal protective equipment and avoid crowded gatherings on Christmas.

Restrictions on movement will be lifted as an exception from 21:00 to 5:00 on Christmas night (on January 6).