Georgia celebrated Christmas with the Christmas Divine Liturgy at the Sameba (Holy Trinity) Cathedral in Tbilisi on Thursday.
The Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia Ilia II performed the Christmas service. The Patriarch addressed the parishioners and wished happy Christmas to them and the whole of Georgia.
It is reminded that the Christmas Alilo procession had been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The traditional walking aims to collect presents for homeless children, socially vulnerable people, and penitentiary facilities. Instead, citizens brought donated gifts to the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi and the Republic Square on January 7 from noon to 5 pm.
“Alilo is a tradition at the blessing of Patriarch since 2000. It will be observed this year but in a different way. No procession will be held. However, the clergy will congratulate the population and children on Christmas by chanting and pouring blessed water from the motor vehicles,” the Patriarchate said as reported by tv1.ge.