Photo credit: unification.com.au
Hundreds of believers took part in the Christmas services of ten Russian Orthodox churches in Sydney. Representatives of the Russian community from different cities of Australia gathered for services in the city. On the eve of the holiday, the courtyards of the temples and the inner aisles were decorated with fir trees and fir branches, the Edinenie newspaper reports.
The celebration of Orthodox Christmas took place during the period of forest fires that are raging in several regions of Australia, including nearby Sydney. Representatives of the Russian community note that the long-awaited rain fell on Christmas Eve in New South Wales and people regained hope for a speedy end to the disaster.
Many believers gathered at the service in the Peter and Paul Cathedral, which is called the main Russian temple in Sydney. It is noted that Christmas this year fell on a working day, and many parishioners could not take part visit the church. The cathedral choir, which existed for more than half a century, took part in the service.
All ten Russian Orthodox churches in Sydney were filled to capacity. In honor of the holiday, the Russian Charity Society organized a festive dinner. The celebrations were attended by residents of the Russian home for the elderly managed by the society.
Russkiy Mir
