Photos: Orthodox Christmas celebrations around the world

Al JazeeraCenterEN 1 min read 100% complete by By News AgenciesJanuary 7, 2026 at 10:26 AM

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Orthodox Christians around the world celebrated Christmas on January 7th, following the Julian calendar. This calendar is 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar used by most of the world. Celebrations took place in various locations, including Meskel Square in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, West Bank. The Church of the Nativity is traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ. Religious leaders, such as the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III, participated in Christmas Eve services. The celebrations commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ according to the Eastern Orthodox tradition.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Meskel Square 50% Addis Ababa 60% Ethiopia 60% Palestine 70% Russia 70% Church of the Nativity 70% Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III 70% West Bank 80% Bethlehem 80% Jesus Christ ×290%

Keywords

orthodox christmas 100% christmas celebrations 80% eastern orthodox 70% julian calendar 60% bethlehem 50% religious holiday 50% church of the nativity 40%

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Neutral

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Al Jazeera

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Center (0.00)

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Classification Confidence

85%

Geographic Perspective

Bethlehem

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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orthodox christmas christmas celebrations eastern orthodox julian calendar bethlehem religious holiday church of the nativity

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