As in all the world, the Catholic and Orthodox communities around Turkey in the night of December 24 celebrated Christmas (Nativity) Day was also celebrated in Iskenderun of Hatay province. This year, the Christmas masses were held in the shadow of the Covid-19 pandemic that shook the whole world.
The Nativity, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, was celebrated with masses held in churches in Iskenderun district of Hatay. The first mass in Iskenderun was held on Thursday, December 24 in the evening at the St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Iskenderun. The Holy Christmas Mass was led by Church Father Yusuf Nikolas Papasoğlu. During the mass, only sacristans and choir members accompanied Papasoğlu.
Father Papasoğlu, who gave a short message at the Christmas Mass, which could not be open to community members this year within the scope of coronavirus measures,
He wished that Christmas Day would lead to peace, unity and solidarity, and peace in Turkey and all over the world. Papasoğlu also wished that the coronavirus disease, which surrounded the whole world, will end as soon as possible and humanity will have a healthy future.
Orthodox citizens of Iskenderun celebrated the joy of the Nativity Day with their families this year. Community members used social media to celebrate more than in previous years. (SAT-7 Türk/İlyas Edip TERBİYELİ)
