Orthodox Christians Celebrate Christmas

By Pauline J. Chang, Christian Post Reporter Friday, January 07, 2005

Millions of Orthodox Christians around the world lit candles to mark the day of Christ’s birth, Friday, January 7, 2004. The day of epiphany, as it is known to Catholics and some Protestants who follow the Gregorian calendar, is celebrated as Christmas to mainly Eastern European Orthodox Christians, who follow the Julian calendar.

Patriarch Alexy II of all Russia offered his wishes for peace and prosperity for all peoples during his Christmas address.

The patriarch also took note of the tragic August crash of two airlines and the September hostage takeover in Beslan as events that force people to face death.

"Flouting everything that is holy in their impious madness, terrorists raised their hands against children. The deaths of innocent victims has become our common grief and filled our hearts with pain and sorrow," he said.

"But at the same time, the horrible tragedy has shown that moral ideals are alive in the people: facing death, many people manifested high examples of sacrificial love for their neighbors, laying down their lives for their friends, as the Holy Scripture says," Alexy II concluded.