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Religion

rug

(82,333 posts) Sat Jan 7, 2012, 11:55 AM Jan 2012

Orthodox Christians Celebrate Christmas

January 07, 2012

Orthodox Christmas services got under way Friday as worshippers across the world prepared to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Many Orthodox Christians, including Russians, Greeks, Serbs and Montenegrins, celebrate Christmas on January 7, according to an older calendar.

Political leaders join citizens in religious services, including in former communist countries, such as Russia.

Tradition also calls for a 40-day fast before Christmas, during which the pious do not eat meat, dairy products or eggs. The fast ends at midnight and gives way to sumptuous feasts, but those should not start before one has attended a religious service.

http://www.voanews.com/english/news/religion/Orthodox-Christians-Celebrate-Christmas-136869593.html

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