New Delhi, January 7 — The House Church in honor of St Thomas the Apostle, located at the Russian Embassy in India, held a solemn Orthodox Christmas service on the night of January 6–7, marking one of the most significant feasts in the Eastern Orthodox Christian calendar.
The festive liturgy was conducted in a traditional manner, reflecting the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Russian Orthodox Church. Following the service, the Rector of the church, Priest Dmitry Kulakov, who also serves as the Representative of the Russian Orthodox Church in India, read out the official Christmas message of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’. The message emphasized the spiritual meaning of Christmas, calling for peace, compassion, and unity among peoples.
Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, the youngest members of the parish participated by singing traditional Christmas carols, highlighting the role of children and families in preserving Orthodox traditions abroad.
Orthodox Christmas is celebrated on January 7 by many Eastern Orthodox Christians who follow the Julian calendar. The annual observance at the Russian Embassy church serves not only as a religious event but also as a cultural gathering for the Russian and Orthodox Christian community in India.
The celebrations concluded with warm greetings exchanged among parishioners, marking the joy and spiritual significance of the Nativity of Christ.