In the Greek Orthodox Churches in Turkey, the Nativity of Jesus Christ was celebrated with the rites held on the evening of 24 December and on the morning of 25 December.
The Metropolitan of Chalcedon (Kadıköy) Emmanuel conducted the ceremony held at the St. George (Aya Yorgi) Cathedral of the Istanbul Greek Patriarchate, while the Metropolitan of Philadelphia Meliton, the Metropolitan of Myriophyton (Şarköy) and the Metropolitan of Peristasis Eirinaios, the Metropolitan of Myra (Antalya, Demre) Chrysostomos and the Metropolitan of Bursa Ioakeim accompanied him. In addition, the Consul General of Ukraine in Istanbul Roman Nedilskyi and his delegate, Greek Consul Danai Vasilaki, many believers from abroad and from Istanbul were present at the service. Beşiktaş Mayor Rıza Akpolat and his companions attended the ceremony.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew could not attend due to Covid-19.
Sacred Rite in Mersin
The Christmas Feast, which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, was celebrated enthusiastically with a ceremony held in Mersin Greek Orthodox Church on the evening of December 24.
The Mersin Christian community could not attend the service last year due to Covid-19 restrictions, this year the church was very crowded, showing great interest. Christians from Mersin, who filled the church and its courtyard from 6 pm, watched the ceremony performed by the spiritual head of the church, Father İspir Teymur, and the church choir with great interest and participation.
In his sermon, Father İspir Teymur, said “The Lord Jesus Christ was not born in a cave alone in Bethlehem today, he is born again in our hearts today, let’s embrace with a loving heart today and hug each other with the singing of angels.” He also stated the meaning and importance of the day with the words “The child born in Bethlehem is the God of blessing and peace, and we are His messengers of peace” and celebrated the feast of those who attended the service. At the end of his speech, he thanked the private and public institutions that celebrated Christmas with both messages and flowers.
After the sacrament, the Governing Body and the Women’s Branch prepared a Christmas cocktail in the church hall. In the cocktail party attended by Church Father İspir Teymur, Christmas hymns were sung accompanied by music, the Christmas cake was cut, and the whole community celebrated this joyful day together.
