The Explainer: What is the Epiphany? Why is it also called Three Kings Day? And when do Christians celebrate it?
The Associated Press takes a look at what the Christian celebration of Epiphany is all about…
Essay: Another dark Christmas in Ukraine
As Orthodox Christmas approaches, KNOX THAMES, a former US State Department special envoy, says – in an article first published on Religion News Service, that we cannot abandon Ukraine to Russian destruction…
Police detain man in relation to Cologne Cathedral threats
Frankfurt, Germany Reuters German police said on Tuesday they had taken into custody a person in connection with a possible attack planned against Cologne Cathedral. Police on Saturday said they were heightening security at the cathedral following indications of a possible attack on New Year’s Eve and in the wake of government warnings in recent […]
In pictures: Christmas around the world, 2023
Sight presents a gallery of Christmas images from this year…
UK’s King Charles urges compassion, care for environment in time of conflict
London, UKReuters Britain’s King Charles III called on people on Monday to help those less fortunate during a time of economic hardship and global conflict, using his Christmas Day message to emphasise the importance of kindness, compassion and care for the environment. In his second Christmas message since becoming king, Charles also paid tribute to […]
Ukraine says it shot down Russian fighter jets and drones as the country officially marks Christmas
Kyiv, UkraineAP Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Monday hailed the shooting down of two Russian fighter jets on Christmas Eve and said “this Christmas sets the right mood for the entire year ahead.” In a Christmas message marking the first time the country has officially observed the holiday on 25th December rather than 7th January, […]
Christmas in China brings glittering decor and foreign influence concerns
Beijing, China Reuters Giant Christmas trees adorned with lights, tinsel and gift boxes greet shoppers at glittering malls in big Chinese cities like Shanghai and Chongqing, but in many parts of China, extending season’s greetings is out of the question. In southwest Yunnan province, a property management company issued a notice to shopping mall tenants […]
In Moldova, the Christmas spirit is conflict and rivalry for parishioners
Chisinau, MoldovaReuters The head of Moldova’s largest Orthodox Church, subordinated to its Russian parent church, has complained that his ranks were coming under attack in the run-up to Christmas – marked on two separate days by rival churches in the former Soviet state. More than 90 per cent of residents of the country, which lies […]
Snapshot: Christmas in Warsaw, Poland
See ELIJAH G’s image…
Essay: New date, same traditions – Ukraine’s wartime Christmas celebrations
IRYNA VOLOSHYNA, in an article first published on The Conversation, says amid a change in the date of Christmas for Orthodox Ukrainians, traditions, such as the singing of “koliadky” – Ukrainian carols – will continue…