Русский | interfax-religion.ru
Christmas services in China's major cities

English Translation by Nina Tkachuk Dimas

Moscow. January 9. INTERFAX — Services in honor of the Nativity of Christ took place on the territory of the Russian Embassy in Beijing.

Over 100 Orthodox believers from various cities of China assembled on Christmas Eve for Liturgy within the walls of an ancient building of the Russian Spiritual Mission — the Red Fangzi.

Christmas services were held in other Chinese cities — Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong, according the official website of the Moscow Patriarchate.

The Orthodox community of the Dormition in Beijing is the largest in China. It includes not only Russians, but also citizens of Ukraine, Belarus, Greece, France, the United States and Romania.

A cypress iconostasis had been set up in the Red Fangzi for Christmas. At the present time, icons are being painted in Moscow for the Russian Spiritual Mission in China.

Through the efforts of the Sunday School, a Christmas "Yolka" party was held during the day on January 7th in the Russian Embassy Club.