Michael Dzvonik, 9, chowed down on a piece of bacon on Sunday morning – his first bite of meat since the fast that he and other Orthodox Christians observed through
Kyiv says Orthodox Christmas strikes by Russia have killed more than a dozen people, including children, in the east and south of Ukraine. The attacks came as Vladimir Putin vowed on the eve of Orthodox Christmas to back soldiers who, in his words, "with arms in hands," defend Russia's interests.
Worshippers have celebrated Orthodox Christmas Day, following the ancient Julian calendar which marks the occasion 13 days after the western Gregorian calendar. But with two wars waging, the mood has been sombre for many this year, with some traditions skipped and celebrations subdued.
Orthodox Christmas Day If you are a Catholic or an unorthodox/Progressive Christian, you have already celebrated Christmas during December. Many Orthodox Many Orthodox Christians annually celebrate Christmas Day on or near January 7 to remember Jesus Christ’s birth, described in the Christian Bible.