As Christmas is celebrated worldwide, the faithful in Baku gathered at St. Mary’s Catholic Church to partake in prayers, songs, and community celebrations.
The air was filled with a sense of unity, peace, and joy as worshippers from various backgrounds came together to mark this special time of the year.
At the heart of the celebration were the prayers and services inside the church, where Christians of all ages came to reflect on the spiritual meaning of Christmas and honor the birth of Jesus Christ.
Before the service began, the church was a scene of warm greetings as people exchanged smiles and well-wishes, embodying the spirit of the season.
One congregant from the Philippines, shared their experience of celebrating Christmas in a foreign land. “I came here for the celebration of Christmas and New Year,” they said. “It’s a little different from my home country. In the Philippines, Christmas is about family gatherings, but here in Baku, I am alone. But even though I miss my family, I enjoy walking around Nizami Street, where there are Christmas markets and Christmas trees, which makes me feel connected to the celebration.”
For many, Christmas in Baku is not just a religious observance but a time for unity and reflection, regardless of background.
The celebrations bring together individuals of different ages, nationalities, and walks of life, united in the values of peace, compassion, and togetherness.
Another worshipper spoke about how they celebrated Christmas in the church, saying, “I always celebrate here, serving in the church. Afterward, we gather with family and friends. We prepare traditional Filipino food and spend the time reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas.
My message this Christmas is one of love, peace, and gratitude. We have to thank God for everything we receive and strive to spread peace to the world. Merry Christmas to everyone.”
Local Christians also took part in the celebration, marking the holiday with their families. One congregant shared their heartfelt thoughts: “Every December, I spend this holiday with my family. It’s a time when people’s hearts open up, and they begin to believe in the significance of Jesus’ birth. My wish for the new year is to be happier and more religious than before, to draw closer to God, and for our country to become kinder toward each other.”
As the service began, the faithful participated in prayers, hymns, and liturgy, all led by the priest who spoke of the spiritual importance of Christ’s birth.
His sermon emphasised the universal values of Christmas, calling for love, hope, and faith. “Christmas is a time when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God,” said Josef Marek, the priest. “Through Him, joy, forgiveness, and all of God’s gifts have come into the world.
Today, every person can have access to God through Jesus Christ, and God invites everyone to come to Him. That is why Christmas and its celebration are truly about rejoicing in God.”
As celebrations took place in churches across Baku, the atmosphere was filled with peace, hope, and a shared sense of humanity.
The Christmas celebrations in the Azerbaijani capital mirrored the spirit seen around the world—a time of faith, love, and unity.
Whether surrounded by family or among new friends, Christmas in Baku served as a reminder of the universal power of love and the importance of community in our lives.
Saudi Arabia said its air defences destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca before it could enter prohibited airspace over the holy city, as attacks...
Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held high-level talks in Seoul aimed at expanding South Korean investment, industrial cooperation and partnershi...
From new Asia-Europe trade routes to investment, energy and security cooperation, the Organization of Turkic States has grown far beyond its origin...
U.S. Central Command said 101 commercial vessels have been redirected in the Strait of Hormuz, while oil prices rose more than three per cent amid fresh regional attacks and supply concerns.
U.S. President Donald Trump has again said Iran is keen to reach a deal quickly, but a senior Iranian security official rejected the claim, saying Tehran will not negotiate until its conditions are met.
A Danish military helicopter came within “metres” of being struck by flares fired by a Russian warship, Denmark's Defence Minister Jeppe Bruus said on Tuesday. Russia accused Denmark of carrying out “dangerous manoeuvres” near its ship, and said it was investigating the incident.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is outlining the EU's priorities in her annual State of the Union address, covering security, support for Ukraine, trade with China, migration, climate and artificial intelligence.
Saudi Arabia said its air defences destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca before it could enter prohibited airspace over the holy city, as attacks by the Iran-aligned group deepen regional tensions.
Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held high-level talks in Seoul aimed at expanding South Korean investment, industrial cooperation and partnerships in technology, finance and infrastructure.
From new Asia-Europe trade routes to investment, energy and security cooperation, the Organization of Turkic States has grown far beyond its original focus on shared language and culture.
Central Asia and South Korea are targeting annual trade of $20 billion by 2030, almost double last year’s record of more than $10 billion, following a proposal at their first leaders’ summit in Seoul.
Representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Azerbaijan have concluded a two-day visit to Garabagh and Eastern Zangezur, touring key cultural, educational, economic and infrastructure sites in the region.
A skyscraper, a six-tower district, and a launch event timed to coincide with Georgian Dream's long campaign for warmer ties with the Trump administration — even as Washington has kept its distance.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment