In troubled world, Christians seek peace, joy
FRANKFURT, Germany — Christians around the world were striving on Christmas Eve to put aside the worries and fears of an unsettled, war-torn world as they prepared to celebrate the birth of Jesus of Nazareth.
Believers in Syria gathered Sunday in a country still suffering from the aftermath of a long civil war and suffocating economic blockade. Despite festive lights and Christmas decorations adorning houses and shops in the capital Damascus, events in Gaza and ongoing battles in parts of the country have left the holiday atmosphere subdued.
In Yabroud, a city north of Damascus, worshippers gathered in the St. Constantine and Helen Cathedral to enjoy Christmas carols sung by the Joy Choir from Damascus.
“Everyone should try, with what the Lord has given them, to spread joy in order to help end this sorrow,” said Fadi Homsi, a choir member.
Europe marked the holiday in historic cathedrals and holiday markets, with an undertone of tension spread by the war in Gaza and by one even closer to home in neighboring Ukraine.
Sightseeing-only visits were barred at Germany’s landmark cathedral in Cologne, and Christmas Eve worshippers faced security checks to get into midnight Mass there Sunday as police responded to indications of a potential attack.
Ukraine is preparing to officially mark Christmas as a state holiday on Dec. 25 for the first time after moving the date in line with state holidays in western Europe.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed legislation in July moving the holiday to Dec. 25 from Jan. 7, when it is observed by the Russian Orthodox Church and also by one of Ukraine’s two competing Orthodox churches.