SHOTLIST:

SKOPJE, NORTH MACEDONIA (JAN. 06, 2026) (ANADOLU - ACCESS ALL)

1. VARIOUS OF PEOPLE GATHERING FOR CEREMONY AT SAINT KLIMENT OHRIDSKI CHURCH

2. VARIOUS OF PARTICIPANTS

3. PARTICIPANTS LIGHTING CANDLES

4. VARIOUS OF PARTICIPANTS CARRYING BANNERS OUTSIDE CHURCH

5. CARRIAGE PASSING ON ROAD

6. VARIOUS OF NORTH MACEDONIA'S ARCHBISHOP DIRECTING CEREMONY

7. VARIOUS OF PARTICIPANTS SKOPJE, NORTH MACEDONIA - JANUARY 06: Orthodox Christians in North Macedonia gathered on Christmas Eve, Jan. 6, at the St. Kliment Ohridski Church in the capital, Skopje.

The festive liturgy was led by Macedonian Archbishop Stefan, drawing worshippers for one of the most significant nights on the Orthodox calendar.

The service featured traditional prayers and hymns, with congregants lighting candles and offering quiet reflections.

Among the oldest Christian holidays, Christmas is celebrated on Dec. 25 by adherents of the Gregorian calendar, including Protestants, Catholics, and some Orthodox Christians. In contrast, Orthodox Christians who follow the Julian calendar commemorate the event on Jan. 7.