Elevate your local knowledge

Sign up for the iNFOnews newsletter today!

Select Region

Across the world, Orthodox Christians mark Christmas with prayers, Mass

Across the world, Orthodox Christians are celebrating Christmas with Mass and prayers.

In Russia, both Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and President Vladimir Putin attended Christmas morning Mass early Wednesday.

At the Church of the Nativity, built over the West Bank grotto that Christians believe is the site of Jesus’ birth, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas attended Mass early Wednesday as well.

In Egypt, Coptic Christians celebrated on Tuesday night with Mass on Christmas Eve. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi attended one such Mass, escorted by Coptic Pope Tawadros II.

Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on Jan. 7, in accordance with the Julian calendar. This was largely replaced in western Europe by the Gregorian calendar 500 years ago.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.