Pocono News Section

Russian Orthodox Celebrate Christmas

Russian Orthodox Celebrate Christmas - Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at 2:03PM EST

Reported by: David DeCosmo WYOU TV News
Wednesday, Jan 7, 2009 @ 02:03pm EST
MAYFIELD, LACKAWANNA COUNTY- Saint John the Baptist Church Russian Orthodox Church in Mayfield was crowded Wednesday morning as people who observe the Julian Calendar celebrated Christmas.

The Christmas celebration actually begins with 40 days of fasting leading up to the holiday worship services.

Paul and Maria Tomcykoski of Greenfield Township were among those attending. They say its important to carry on the Russian Orthodox tradition and to pass it along to their children.

Many of those attending say they like the fact that the January 7th observance of Christmas separates their celebration from the commercialism associated with the December 25th date.