"Orthodox Christmas Marred by Conflict Shadows"
Orthodox Christians around the world celebrated Christmas on January 7, amidst the backdrop of ongoing conflicts. In Russia, Patriarch Kirill led services and called for prayers for the nation, while President Putin joined families of military personnel at a service. Ukraine, asserting its national identity, officially celebrated Christmas on December 25, moving away from the traditional January 7 date. Celebrations were also subdued in the Middle East due to the Israel-Hamas conflict, with Bethlehem seeing muted festivities. In contrast, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I in Istanbul carried out the Blessing of the Waters ceremony, a sign of continued tradition despite global tensions.