Azerbaijani Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas

At night on January 7, Christmas services were held in Orthodox churches of Baku, Ganja, Sumgait and Khachmaz.

By tradition, the main Christmas service in Azerbaijan was held in the Cathedral of Holy Myrrhbearers in Baku. The festive liturgy was given by the head of the Baku Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church, Bishop Alexander of Baku and Azerbaijan. After the ceremony, many believers read prayers and lit candles, the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent reports.

Hundreds of believers took part in the services held in three Orthodox churches of Baku, as well as in the temples of Ganja, Sumgait and Khachmaz, the TASS reports citing the Baku Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church.

President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliev, has noted the contribution of the Orthodox Christian community to the provision of interethnic and interreligious peace in the country.

According to his story, "Christmas is celebrated annually in Azerbaijan as a symbol of renewal, peace and feelings of mercy and compassion."

According to the Baku Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church of Azerbaijan, there are about 150,000 Orthodox believers in the country.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.