Christmas Eve celebrations in Bedford

Hundreds of the faithful came together at Church House in Bedford to celebrate Christmas Eve.

Parish priest Very Reverend Proto- Stavrofor Radmilo Stokić blessed the Badnjak (yule log) at the chapel before branches were taken outside to be burned in a tradition which echoes the Nativity of Jesus Christ when shepherds brought firewood to warm the newborn Christ.

Father Radmilo spoke about the traditions surrounding this six-week period of spritual and physical fasting which culminates in Christmas Liturgy to be celebrated on Monday 7th January at St Paul's at 11am.

Warm rakija was served at the event where hundreds had gathered to celebrate the Nativity by the flames of the bonfire where they offered season's greetings to old and new friends.

With thanks to parishioner Stevan Popovic for photos.