Orthodox Christians across the world marked the Nativity of Christ on January 7, following the Julian calendar, with festive services held by the Russian, Serbian, Georgian, Jerusalem, Polish and Macedonian Orthodox Churches, as well as several Oriental Orthodox Churches, including the Coptic and Ethiopian Churches. Celebrations took place throughout Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa. A notable milestone was the first-ever Orthodox Christmas service in Guinea, celebrated in the capital Conakry for Russian expatriates and local faithful.

In Moscow, Patriarch Kirill led the Christmas Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. The service was broadcast nationwide, and more than one million people attended Christmas services in churches across the Russian capital. Local media reported that the celebrations passed without incident.

Christmas services were also held in Egypt, where Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria celebrated the feast in New Cairo; in Bethlehem, where Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem led prayers for peace; and in Georgia, where the Nativity was marked by the traditional “Alilo” procession.

During the Christmas period, political leaders and religious figures from various countries extended greetings to Orthodox Christians observing the feast on January 7. Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated citizens on Christmas, emphasizing the role of Christian traditions in strengthening social unity, compassion and patriotic values. He attended a Christmas night service in the Moscow region and spoke with parishioners afterward.

Patriarch Kirill sent Christmas messages to the presidents of Russia, Belarus and Serbia, as well as to the prime minister of Hungary, highlighting the Nativity as a spiritual foundation of cultural unity among nations and stressing the importance of cooperation between Church and state.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić поздравed believers on Badnji Veče (Christmas Eve) and Christmas, calling for unity and hope, while Serbian Patriarch Porfirije urged prayers for peace and the overcoming of social divisions. In Belarus, President Aleksandr Lukashenko and Metropolitan Veniamin exchanged Christmas and New Year greetings, underscoring the values of peace, family harmony and spiritual unity.

Polish President Karol Nawrocki sent a traditional Christmas message to Orthodox Christians, noting the contribution of the Orthodox Church to the life of the country. Pope Leo XIV also addressed Orthodox believers, wishing peace and consolation to Eastern Christians and emphasizing unity and solidarity among the faithful.

Beyond church celebrations, the week was marked by major international developments. On January 2, the United States conducted a military operation in Venezuela, during which President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were detained and taken to the U.S. to face charges of “narco-terrorism.” Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced temporary external administration of the country pending a transfer of power, while Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim head of state. Russia’s Foreign Ministry condemned the U.S. actions as an act of aggression. The Russian Orthodox Church supported the position of the World Council of Churches, which called for peace, dialogue and respect for national sovereignty, warning that the events constituted a serious violation of international law and a dangerous precedent.

In church governance news, on January 4 the Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus convened an extraordinary session and suspended Metropolitan Tychikos of Paphos from priestly ministry. The hierarch was accused of falling away from the Church after failing to meet conditions previously set by the Synod. The dispute is linked to his disagreements with Archbishop George and his criticism of ecumenical initiatives. Metropolitan Tychikos announced his intention to appeal the decision in a civil court.