Faithful persons attend service on Christmas

The Christians who today, December 25, observe Christmas according to the new calendar went to the church to pray and to receive the eucharis. They say that this is one of the greatest feasts of the year, when the whole family gathers together at a festive table to celebrate the birth of Christ, Info-Prim Neo reports. The Saint Teodora de la Sihl Church situated in central Chisinau was today not spacious enough. The people lit by a candle for the health of the dear ones and the relatives. Svetlana Ghetiu is native of Cahul. She has observed Christmas according to the new calendar since childhood. “On Christmas, we wake up earlier, take breakfast and go to the church for an hour or two to celebrate the feast together with the other Christians,” she said. Ana Apostol from Chisinau said that her family celebrates Christmas both on December 25 and on January 7, according to the old calendar. “My family observes Christmas according to the new calendar, while my husband’s family – according to the old calendar. Thus, every year we go to the church on both of the days and then celebrate together with the family,” she said. About 50 students of the High School "Mihail Berezovschi” came to the church to sing carols for the faithful. Manager Angela Prisacaru said it is for the first time that the children come to the church to carol. “We came here to sing and bring light,” she said. Natalia Istaru, one of the parents who accompanied the carolers, said she comes to the church every year, but this year she does it with special joy. “My daughter is in the first grade and we came to support her. Afterward, we will go home to celebrate Christmas together with the relatives,” said Natalia Istaru. Nicoleta Istaru said she does not have jitters even if she sings carols at the church for the first time. The Chisinau residents today observe Christmas in the family and in the Great National Assembly Square, where a concert involving national singers will start at 6pm.