by InTrieste
The Serbian, Ukrainina, and Russian Orthodox communities of Trieste celebrate Christmas on Tuesday, January 7, in accordance with the Julian calendar, which places the holiday 13 days later than the Gregorian calendar used by much of the Western world.
The centerpiece of the celebration was the Holy Christmas Mass, held at the iconic Temple of St. Spyridon the Thaumaturge. Beneath its glittering domes, worshippers gathered to honor traditions that have been passed down for centuries.
A hallmark of the Orthodox Christmas ceremony is the spreading of straw across the church floor, symbolizing the simplicity of Christ’s birthplace. Integral to the celebration is the burning of the badnjak, a large oak branch adorned with leaves, which had been a focal point of Christmas Eve rituals. During the Mass, a male family member casts the remaining badnjak into the fire, making wishes for each spark that rises from the flames.
The day’s festivities extend beyond the church. Families reconvene at home to share the česnica, a ceremonial cake baked with a hidden coin inside. According to tradition, the person who finds the coin in their slice is believed to be blessed with a prosperous and fortunate year.
Evening Vespers at 6 p.m. marked the spiritual conclusion of the day.
For the Orthodox communities in Trieste, these customs are more than symbolic. “These rituals connect us to our roots,” said a local worshipper. “They remind us of who we are and where we come from, even as the world around us changes.”
In this Adriatic port city, where diverse cultures converge, the Orthodox Christmas stands out as a vibrant affirmation of faith and tradition, offering a glimpse into an enduring heritage celebrated far beyond the borders of its origins.
