On January 6, all Russian, Georgian, Serbian and Jerusalem churches as well as holy monasteries on the Mount Athos will start Christmas divine services. The all-night vigil that is due at 6p.m. at the Minsk Holy Spirit Cathedral will be headed by Metropolitan of Minsk and Slutsk, Patriarch Exarch for All Belarus Filaret, BelTA informs. Christmas is the second important Orthodox holiday following Easter. Christmas is a holiday of people’s unity with God and between each other, therefore great attention on this day is turned to the family, congratulations and charity. Christmas cooking is traditionally rich and varied. As a rule, the major meal is a stuffed turkey or goose. In the 18th century Christmas tree became an essential part of the holiday. Starting from the 12th century there has been a beautiful custom in Europe to create “a nativity scene” – a three-dimensional art diorama depicting the birth of Jesus. Such scenes feature figures representing infant Jesus resting in a manger, Mary and Joseph, the Magi, shepherds and animals. Christmastide lasts eleven days.

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