The exposition of "Christmas in the East and West," is devoted to the traditions of Christmas celebrations in the Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches

The State Museum of History of Religion (St. Petersburg, the Central Post, 14 /5), an exhibition of "Christmas in the East and West," dedicated tradition of celebrating Christmas in the Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches.

Modern Coptic icon Source: Press Release Gmiri

Christmas - one of the major Christian holidays, established in commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem. It is celebrated in over 100 countries on 25 December. This date has been set by decree of the Roman Emperor Constantine in the IV century. The actual date of birth of Jesus Christ is a controversial and ambiguous solution among the ecclesiastical writers. Perhaps the choice of December 25 is connected with the arrival of this day the solar pagan holiday "Birth of the Sun Invincible," which the adoption of Christianity in Rome was filled with new content. Russian Orthodox Church and other churches using the Julian Calendar, celebrate this day on January 7.

One of the booths at the exhibition is devoted to Catholic and Orthodox festive Christmas service, which shows pictures from worship. In a separate window are objects that illustrate the features of Christmas celebrations in the Arab countries. Here you will see the CD-ROMs with Christmas hymns in Arabic, the photograph of the text of a Christmas prayer, liturgical incense brought from Syria, etc. The tradition of celebrating Christmas in a separate showcase. A special place among the exhibits is a layout den created by museum staff. The exhibition will also be on display Christmas cards from the collection of Gmiri.

Source: Press Release Gmiri

Source: Press Release Gmiri

Source: Press Release Gmiri

exhibition will run until February 28, 2011 year.

Source : Press Release Gmiri