Today Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas Eve: what should be done on this day? 0 18

For Orthodox Christians, this day marks the beginning of the Christmas festivities, which last for 12 days. It was customary to sing carols and treat the family, albeit modestly, but deliciously.

What does the word Eve mean?

This word is associated with the traditional and obligatory fasting dish for this day called "sochivo."

This is a special porridge made from rice or millet, which is traditionally eaten on the last day of the Christmas fast. It is also allowed to add nuts, raisins, pieces of vegetables and fruits, and honey.

Another possible word that gave the name to the day is "sochen." This is the second traditional treat. It is a thin fasting flatbread, on top of which potatoes or berries were placed. On the eve of Christmas, or Christmas Eve, it is traditionally customary to meet with sochivo and sochen on the table.

On this day, a special service is held in the church — the eve of Christmas. The service consists of the Great Hours. This refers to four consecutive services during which readings from the Gospel, psalms, and prayers are recited. There is also a great vespers.

What can be done

• One should go to the church in the evening.

• It is essential to treat lonely people, travelers, and the poor.

• Before sitting down at the table, it makes sense to go out into the yard and admire the stars.

• Also, Christmas Eve is a time for a leisurely and substantial dinner with family, preferably at the parents' or even grandparents' house.

• The table must be covered with a white tablecloth. Previously, hay was placed under it as a symbol of the Christmas manger.

• The table was served with sochivo, sochen, and other fasting dishes, of which there should be 12. Each should be tried. All of this was washed down with compote or a brew made from dried fruits.

What cannot be done

• It was not customary to eat before the evening, before the liturgy. But now the liturgy has moved to an earlier time.

• It is not customary to take out the trash.

• One should not engage in sewing and handicrafts, or sweeping the floor.

• It is bad to engage in heavy labor.

• It is not customary to go far from home.

• In the evening, one should not sit at the table in black clothing.

Riga welcomes Christmas

During the festive days, the walls of the Riga Spiritual Seminary (Riga, Katolu Street, 10) will host Archpastoral Christmas trees. The first will take place on Friday, January 9, at 5:00 PM, the second on Sunday, January 11, at 2:00 PM, and the third on Monday, January 12, at 5:00 PM.

In a bright and colorful performance for the youngest parishioners of Riga's churches, the "Akollada" choir under the direction of Oksana Cherkasova, students from the Sunday schools of the city of Riga, and professional artists will participate.

And on Saturday, January 10, at 1:00 PM, a Christmas concert will be held at the Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation (Riga, Palasta Street, 4). The audience will be offered an interesting program featuring the "Akollada" choir, the "Austrinya" kokle ensemble from the Riga Palace of Students, and other groups.

Tickets for all Christmas events can be obtained at your parish churches.

Yuri POZHIDAEV.