Tag: Christmas

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Christmas Costume Crooks Prey on Elderly

Police in Piraeus, Greece have arrested three teenagers who posed in Christmas costumes to rob elderly residents in their homes. The gang of four, all minors, used violence and threats to steal cash and jewelry from vulnerable individuals during the holiday season. A fourth suspect remains at large.

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Putin Attends Christmas Services, Highlights Role of Church in Russia

President Putin marked Christmas with a message emphasizing faith, family, and the role of the Church in Russia, attending services alongside military personnel and their families. He also presented consecrated crosses to commanders in the Special Military Operation zone, highlighting the ongoing connection between the Kremlin and the Russian Orthodox Church.

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When Do Greek Schools Reopen in 2025?

Greek schools will reopen on Wednesday, January 8th, 2025, following the Christmas and New Year's holiday break. Students and teachers can look forward to several extended holiday periods throughout the year, including Easter and the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.

Church of the Nativity

Bethlehem's Christians muted Christmas celebrations amid conflict

In Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, Christmas celebrations are muted under the shadow of the ongoing conflict in Gaza and tensions in the West Bank. The absence of tourists, the economic hardship, and the expansion of Israeli settlements contribute to a somber atmosphere. While the annual procession of the Latin Patriarch offers a message of hope and resilience, the Palestinian Christian community struggles to find joy amid the ongoing suffering.

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Severe Christmas Weather Sweeps Across Greece

Severe weather is set to sweep across Greece during the Christmas period, bringing heavy snow, rain, and strong winds. Mountainous regions and the Aegean Sea will be particularly affected. The Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY) has issued warnings and advises the public to stay updated on the latest forecasts.

December 25, Nativity of Christ

Christmas 2024: December 25, Nativity of Christ

The Nativity of Christ, celebrated on December 25th, is a central festival in the Christian liturgical year. It commemorates the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God, who Christians believe is the long-awaited Messiah and savior of humanity. The events of the Nativity are described in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke in the New Testament of the Bible.

The Greek and Roman origins of Christmas traditions

The Greek and Roman origins of Christmas traditions

Holidays and rituals have always been integral to human culture, deeply rooted in community and society. While Western festive days are largely based on Christian traditions, many of these customs can trace their origins to Ancient Greece and Rome. Christmas, for example, is widely believed to have evolved from pagan celebrations of the winter solstice. Although the Bible does not specify the exact date of Christ’s birth, December 25th was likely chosen to coincide with the Roman winter solstice festival, Die Natalis Solis Invicti, celebrating the "Unconquered Sun." This date also aligns with the symbolism of Christ as the "light that shines in the darkness," reinforcing the connection between solar and religious traditions.

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Greece's Christmas Basket Costs Less in 2024

Greek shoppers caught a break this holiday season as the cost of traditional Christmas and New Year's foods dipped. The "Christmas Basket" of festive staples tracked by IELKA cost 3% less in 2024 compared to 2023. While meats like turkey, pork, and lamb saw price decreases, chocolate prices rose due to increasing global cocoa costs.