Orthodox Christians set aflame tree branches in the front yard of Sarajevo's Old Orthodox Church Sunday evening, marking the start of Christmas Eve that is observed according to the Julian calendar.
Vigil service was held by Metropolitan of Dabar and Bosnia, Archbishop Hrizostom, who conveyed messages of peace during the service and wished Merry Christmas to all believers.
God seeks for goodwill among people no matter what religion they are affiliated with, Hrizostom said.
Traditionally, Orthodox Christians gather at the Old Church on Christmas Eve, where they set on fire tree branches symbolising the fire that shepherds lit in the cave where Jesus Christ was born to warm him and his mother up.
Among many believers, this year the ceremony was attended by Tanja, a woman originally from Serbia and living in Sarajevo now. Tanja said her message to everyone was to spread peace and love.
She observes all religious feasts, noting that all that matters is love and tolerance.
“That's how I live and believe,” she said.
