Officials congratulate Christmas to Orthodox Serbians

Officials congratulate Christmas to Orthodox Serbians

Justice Minister Nikola Selakovic also congratulated the holiday to Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC) Patriarch Irinej and clergy, and Serbian Orthodox believers, wishing that them peace and happiness.

Belgrade Mayor Sinisa Mali was another official who extended his greetings, as did Mufti of Serbia Muhamed Jusufspahic, who wished those celebrating a holiday in joy, peace, and prosperity.

Patriarch Irinej on Tuesday urged unity, peace and goodwill in his Christmas message.

Serbia's majority Orthodox Christian believers are this Wednesday marking Christmas Eve according to the Julian calendar. One distinctive Serbian Christmas tradition is the cutting on Christmas Eve and burning on Christmas Day of the badnjak - i.e., of oak branches or logs.

Russian, Armenian, Ukrainian, Georgian, Macedonian, and Montenegrin Orthodox believers will also celebrate Christmas on January 7, as will Mt. Athos and a part of the Coptic Church.