Photo Gallery: Orthodox Christmas in Monroeville

Worshipers gathered at St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church in Monroeville to celebrate Orthodox Christmas Eve Jan. 6. According to the Julian Calendar, it is a Serbian tradition to attend vespers on Christmas Eve, participating in an evening of praise, prayers and sacrifice. At the end of the service, parishioners gather outside around the badnajk, an oak log or branch similar to the Yule log in other European churches. The badnjak represents a tree of happiness and sweetness. Members of the St. Nicholas Choir participate in the 2019 Christmas Eve service.

Alter boys Dominic Fairbaugh, 10, Lukas Bajich, 13, Maks Miller, 8, and Elek Pulinka, 11, distribute pieces of oak branches for parishioners to take home.

Worshipers gathered at St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church in Monroeville to celebrate Orthodox Christmas Eve Jan. 6. According to the Julian Calendar, it is a Serbian tradition to attend vespers on Christmas Eve, participating in an evening of praise, prayers and sacrifice. At the end of the service, parishioners gather outside around the badnajk, an oak log or branch similar to the Yule log in other European churches. The badnjak represents a tree of happiness and sweetness. The Very Rev. George Veselinovic, parish priest, principal celebrant is assisted by the Rev. Joe Cervo, visiting priest, at the blessing of the badnjak.