A CHRISTMAS TRADITION — Many gathered outside Holy Resurrection Serbian Eastern Orthodox Church on Tuesday evening and sang hymns as the Rev. Stavrophor Rajko Kosic and others placed the yule log on a fire, a ritual that is part of the traditional celebration of Orthodox Christmas, which continues through Friday. -- Andrew Grimm

STEUBENVILLE — While Christmas 2025 is beginning to fade into the past for many people, Christians in many Eastern Orthodox churches are celebrating the holiday this week.

Among them is Holy Resurrection Serbian Eastern Orthodox Church on North Fourth Street, which marked the occasion with the burning of a yule log, also known as the badnjak, outside the church on Tuesday evening.

It is among centuries old Christmas traditions carried on by members of the church, who follow the Julian calendar that was in place during Jesus Christ’s birth.

The Rev. Stavrophor Rajko Kosic, the church’s priest, noted the Julian calendar is 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar used by many other churches.

The Gregorian calendar was adopted in 1852 in an effort to more accurately reflect the number of days the earth revolves around the sun, and some Orthodox churches have adopted it.

Kosic noted another early Christian tradition practiced by Holy Resurrection and other Orthodox churches is marking the holiday at night, which he said is tied to the Old Testament account of God’s creation of the earth from darkness.

He said some Orthodox churches hold two services, one in the evening and another later in the night, but Holy Resurrection has combined the two because it’s more practical for members, particularly those with children.

Tuesday’s service was preceded by the burning of the badnjak, which Kosic said is a reminder of the shepherds who started a fire to warm the infant Christ and of the cross on which he died for everyone’s sins.

He said the log normally is taken from an oak, though churches in places where that’s not available can use other wood.

Kosic noted each Christmas, members are given small bundles of straw and leaves, wrapped with ribbons to take home so they can bring them the following year and toss them onto the fire.

The fire produces small sparks that captivate the children in attendance, he said.

“They do like it because it’s something that’s done once a year, something special,” said Kosic, who added there’s also a bit of nostalgia in the hearts of older members who participate.

Beforehand, he sprinkled on the yule log grains of wheat while praying for a new year that is fruitful and plentiful, wine while praying for good fortune, peace and every blessing of God and oil while praying for health and progress.

Kosic said it’s also customary to fire three gunshots during the ritual, with each representing God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.

After each shot, the priest declares, “Peace of God, Christ is born” and attendees reply, “Indeed he is born.”

Kosic said through the years, he’s often recruited a military veteran or law enforcement officer from the congregation to fire the blanks.

He added local police are notified in advance in case they receive a report of shots being fired.

While the yule log burns, church members sing traditional hymns, usually in Serbian.

Kosic said for the sake of tradition, he likes to use a mix of Serbian and English in the service that immediately follows.

Following the service, members remain at the church for a sip of Serbian tea, made with boiled brandy mixed with sugar and water, and a meatless soup or stew. For children, there are peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

Kosic explained Orthodox Christians fast for 40 days up to midnight on Christmas Day, abstaining from meat, eggs and dairy products.

He noted another Christmas Day service will be followed at 10 a.m. today, after which members will gather with their families in their homes.

With the fast over, they enjoy a variety of food together.

Some will consume roasted pigs prepared by about a dozen members in the church’s men’s club at the Serbian Picnic Grounds in Weirton on Monday morning.

Kosic said the group barbecued 14 pigs and, at the request of one member, a turkey.

He said it’s common to serve cesnica, a round, rich bread in which a coin has been placed. The one who’s served a piece with it inside is said to receive good luck, Kosic noted.

He said two other services will follow at 10 a.m. Thursday and Friday, the first dedicated to Mary, the mother of Christ; and the second to Archdeacon. Stephen, the oldest of seven deacons appointed by the Apostles to lead the church.

Kosic was asked whether Orthodox Christians engage in Christmas gift-giving.

He said three Sundays prior to Christmas are reserved for gift-giving, with children receiving gifts on the first, mothers on the second and fathers on the third.

Children are expected to present gifts for their parents on the last two Sundays, but they don’t need to be large, said Kosic.

“That’s how you teach kids to share, to be part of the family,” he said.

Kosic said the giving of gifts earlier allows Orthodox Christians to focus on the spiritual meaning of the holiday.

He confirmed the Christmas services, especially the first, bring many family members together.

“I have families come from Pittsburgh, West Virginia and Ohio,” said Kosic.