Christmas celebrated in many cities in Turkey, such as Istanbul, Edirne, Mersin and Hatay

The Christmas Holiday, on which Christians celebrate the birth of the prophet Jesus, was celebrated in many cities in Turkey, such as Istanbul, Edirne, Mersin, Hatay.

Christmas mass was held at Hagia Yorgi Church in Istanbul under the direction of Fener Patriarch Bartholomew. In addition to the Greeks living in Turkey, Orthodox people from other countries showed interest in the lit candles, prayers and hymns were read.

Orthodox people living in Bulgaria and Edirne attended the mass held at the Bulgarian Orthodox church Sveti Georgi in Edirne. Priest Aleksandr ÇIKIRIK read hymns and prayers from the Bible about the Prophet Jesus, while the participants prayed by lighting candles. The ritual ended with the distribution of the bread, which is considered sacred by Christians. In his statement after the ceremony, the priest said, “I wish you all happy holidays. There is a beautiful atmosphere of friendship and brotherhood in Edirne.” A mass was held in the Orthodox and Catholic churches in the Iskenderun and Antakya districts of Hatay for Christmas. Speaking at the mass in Iskenderun Orthodox Church, father Dimitri YILDIRIM thanked those who celebrated Christmas Feast.

AN OCCASION FOR SOLIDARITY

Congratulating the citizens on their Christmas holidays, President Erdogan noted the following:

“In line with the values of the civilization to which we belong, we consider the existence of different religions and cultures as a wealth. This understanding, which is the basis of the peace and security, unity and decency of our nation, is our most important strength that will allow us to live together in peace in the future as well. I wish that the Christmas holidays celebrated by our Christian citizens in accordance with their own beliefs will be instrumental in the development of a climate of solidarity. With these feelings and thoughts, I once again congratulate the Christmas feast of the entire Christian world, especially our Christian citizens, and wish them well.”