Georgia celebrates Christmas today
A special liturgy took place at Holy Trinity Church in Tbilisi by Catholics Patriarch of Georgia Ilia II at midnight last night. Photo: Government of Georgia.
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The Georgian Orthodox church is celebrating Christmas today along with other members of the Orthodox world, due to the two-week difference between the Gregorian and Julian calendars, to the latter of which Georgia adheres.
The traditional Christmas march known as Alilo will start today at 14:00 from First Republic Square, and will end at Holy Trinity Church with a Christmas thanksgiving service at 16:00. Due to the pandemic, clergy will drive through the streets, sing Christmas carols, and pour holy water on the streets.
Alilo is a Georgian traditional Christmas song, which is usually sung by children dressed as angels and shepherds while walking and gathering gifts for the homeless, needy families, and prisons.
The Georgian Patriarchate said that presents, food, toys and clothes will be collected today and distributed to orphanages, nursing homes, and penitentiaries.
The Alilo ceremonial procession has been held annually across the country since 2000.
PM Garibashvili, President Salome Zurabishvili, Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, and other representatives of the Georgian government attended the Christmas service late yesterday. Photo: Government of Georgia.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili congratulated the Georgian nation on Christmas, wishing them ‘good health, peace of mind and prosperity.’
The birth of Christ is the beginning of a whole new history of mankind, guided by love, human freedom, and hope for a better future,” Garibashvili said.
He also noted that ‘every Christmas we meet in the hope of renewal, happiness and universal well-being.’
A special liturgy took place at Holy Trinity Church in Tbilisi by Catholics Patriarch of Georgia Ilia II at midnight last night.