Christmas

Festive services were held that night in all Orthodox churches of Pridnestrovie. Archbishop of Tiraspol and Dubossary Sawa led the service at the Cathedral of the Nativity of Christ. Alexander Korshunov, Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic came to congratulate Vladyka and all the Orthodox Christians on one of the main holidays in the Christian calendar.

The Royal Hours of divine service, Evening Service, the Liturgy of Basil the Great, Apodeipnon, morning service, Liturgy again and finally the festive Christmas Vespers. Celebrations on the occasion of the Nativity of Christ in Orthodox churches began on the morning of January 6. The main service was held on Christmas night. The hierarchal service was held in the capital's cathedral, which on this day celebrates its Patron Saint's Day.

The church began to celebrate Christmas in the 4th century. The divinely inspired night, that is what the night from January 6 to 7th is called, has been illuminated with light since then. Candles and lamps are lit in the temples, and a small cardboard star shines above the den at each temple. A shiny paper star shimmers with joy in the hands of children on Christmas time.

Archbishop of Tiraspol and Dubossary Sawa, the clergy and everyone who came to the temple were congratulated by the Speaker of the Parliament Alexander Korshunov on this important day for every Orthodox Christians. He especially noted that Christmas is not just a church holiday, for most residents of our republic it is a time to communicate with their families. It is also a holiday for every family.

Icons IN the church were decorated with white flowers that night by tradition. After all, white is the color of Christmas. The Baby on Orthodox icons is against the dark, earthy background of the cave. It symbolizes the seed from which the tree will grow. It is the tree that is the image of the church in Christianity indeed.

Vladyka reminded that Christmas time that will last for almost two weeks until the feast of the Epiphany is the good deeds time.