Father Maxym Lysack estimates there are probably more than 25,000 Orthodox Christians in the city, divided among Greek, Antiochian, Coptic, Ethiopian, Ukrainian, Serbian, Russian, and Romanian Orthodox parishes, and a multicultural church at Christ the Saviour.
Some celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25 while others — including the various Slavic and Coptic churches — celebrate it on Jan. 7.
![A young boy lights a candle for the living and the dead as a means of paying homage to both at the front of the church upon entering. Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church held their Christmas service. JULIE OLIVER / OTTAWA CITIZEN](https://www.pravmir.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/a-young-boy-lights-a-candle-for-the-living-and-the-dead-as-600x450.jpeg)
A young boy lights a candle for the living and the dead as a means of paying homage to both at the front of the church upon entering. Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church held their Christmas service. JULIE OLIVER / OTTAWA CITIZEN
Christmas begins at sunset the night before, Father Maxym said.
“We have a 12-course ritual meal in our homes.” Following that is a prayer service at night, and the liturgy on Christmas morning.
“Following that we break our fast, because we have a fast of 40 days, meaning we’re not eating meat and dairy products for 40 days before the feast.”
He called the mood of the liturgy “joyful.”
![A young girl kisses the Virgin Mary at the front of the church. Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church held their Christmas service. JULIE OLIVER / OTTAWA CITIZEN](https://www.pravmir.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/a-young-girl-kisses-the-virgin-mary-at-the-front-of-the-ch-600x450.jpeg)
A young girl kisses the Virgin Mary at the front of the church. Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church held their Christmas service. JULIE OLIVER / OTTAWA CITIZEN
![Deacon Michael La Libertie leads Father Maxym Lysack on a procession through the congregation during the service. Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church. JULIE OLIVER / OTTAWA CITIZEN](https://www.pravmir.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/deacon-michael-la-libertie-leads-father-maxym-lysack-on-a-600x450.jpeg)
Deacon Michael La Libertie leads Father Maxym Lysack on a procession through the congregation during the service. Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church. JULIE OLIVER / OTTAWA CITIZEN
Coming up is a series of celebrations lasting through most of January, including the Feast of St. Basil and the Feast of Theophany, or Epiphany.
“It’s a busy month but it’s a beautiful month. It’s a month of great joy and spiritual beauty.”
![The long service – more than a couple of hours – was too much for young Stephane Rusu, who slept in his mother’s arms through some hymns. JULIE OLIVER / OTTAWA CITIZEN](https://www.pravmir.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/the-long-service-more-than-a-couple-of-hours-was-too-m-600x450.jpeg)
The long service – more than a couple of hours – was too much for young Stephane Rusu, who slept in his mother’s arms through some hymns. JULIE OLIVER / OTTAWA CITIZEN
![Altar boy Nicholas La Libertie (centre) sits with other church members at the front while listening to the service. JULIE OLIVER / OTTAWA CITIZEN](https://www.pravmir.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/altar-boy-nicholas-la-libertie-centre-sits-with-other-ch-600x450.jpeg)
Altar boy Nicholas La Libertie (centre) sits with other church members at the front while listening to the service. JULIE OLIVER / OTTAWA CITIZEN
![Altar boys Nicholas La Libertie (front) and Thomas Howarth lead Deacon Michael La Libertie and Father Maxym Lysack (rear) on a procession through the congregation during the service. JULIE OLIVER / OTTAWA CITIZEN](https://www.pravmir.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/altar-boys-nicholas-la-libertie-front-and-thomas-howarth-l-600x450.jpeg)
Altar boys Nicholas La Libertie (front) and Thomas Howarth lead Deacon Michael La Libertie and Father Maxym Lysack (rear) on a procession through the congregation during the service. JULIE OLIVER / OTTAWA CITIZEN