The Christian community living in the northern region of Azerbaijan on Saturday celebrated Christmas at the Saint Nicholas orthodox church in Khachmaz.
The community members visited the church to offer Christmas prayers.
During the ceremony, President Ilham Aliyev’s congratulatory message to the Orthodox Christian community of Azerbaijan was read out. In his letter, the head of state congratulated the entire Christian community on the occasion of Christmas, saying that Christmas is a symbol of renewal, purity, mercy and kindness.
Chief-priest of the Saint Nicholas orthodox church hieromonk George Budagov said that every year Christmas is celebrated at high level throughout the country.
Following the religious rituals, various sweets and candies were distributed among the participants, who exchanged greetings.
On the night of January 6-7, festive services are held in all Orthodox churches in Azerbaijan.
