Orthodox mark Christmas, but the celebration is overshadowed for many by conflict

Orthodox Christians packed churches Saturday night for Christmas Eve services, a holiday overshadowed for many believers by conflict. Traditions vary, but typically the main worship service for Orthodox Christians takes place the night before Christmas, which is Jan. 7. Patriarch Kirill, leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, the world’s largest Orthodox denomination, led elaborate and well-attended services at Moscow’s Christ the Savior Cathedral.

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