Orthodox Christians across Bosnia and Herzegovina the region and beyond are marking Christmas on Sunday, January 7, after attending Christmas Eve services on Saturday evening.

The date is taken from the Julian calendar proposed by Roman dictator Julius Caesar and is observed by many Orthodox Christians.

The Christmas Day liturgy was held at the Congregational Church of the Holy Mother in Sarajevo in presence of many believers and was led by Metropolitan of Dabar and Bosnia, Bishop Hrizostom.

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He said on this occasion that people should not be seeking to be supporters in conflicts but peacemakers with prayers and appeals for the wars to end and for the peace of God and goodwill between peoples and nations to reign.

He also stressed that the tragedies happening in Ukraine and the Middle East hurt equally.

“Let's pray for the peace in Ukraine and goodwill among our brothers of the same faith. Let's condemn all crimes and revenges and let's pray for all those suffering in the Middle East.

The service was also attended by international peace envoy in Bosnia and Herzegovina Christian Schmidt who extended “heartfelt greetings to all Orthodox believers in BiH and wishing them a day filled with the love and warmth of family and friendship on this holy occasion.”