A time of joy and hope – Vesti online

Christmas Day and Christmas in Munich traditionally gather thousands of worshipers from many cities and towns in Bavaria at two places of worship.

It was the same this year. It was celebrated in the temple of St. John Vladimir, King of Serbia in Novi Perlah and another place of worship in the Dominicus Center dedicated to the Intercession of the Holy Mother of God.

In both places, the priests served in and around crowded buildings, so it was difficult to pass from one end to the other. Christmas Day was celebrated in a good mood, which was marked by prayer, but also by the “peeping” of children, many of whom could hardly wait for the moment when the sign was given for this old custom and asking for gifts in straw. With the presence of parents, grandparents, it was interesting to watch the children’s happy faces and happiness when they found the requested gifts and later continued to play in the straw.

As in previous years, whole families, three generations, came on Christmas Eve, and it is noticeable that more and more “new faces” arrived in the past months and years in search of work and a better life.

Good organization of Christmas Eve content meant that there were several places for selling calendars, candles and Christmas decorations, lighting candles and selling boiled brandy and wine, as well as coffee, sweets and juices. At each place, the faithful waited patiently in line to get what they wanted. The highlight of Christmas Eve was the lighting of the Christmas tree, and the flame lit up the faces of the crowd of believers who pressed to be as close as possible to the fire and record the moment with their phones as a memory.

A meeting of old friends

This year, unlike some previous ones, in front of the Dominikus center in the northern part of the city, there was no traditional shooting and fireworks, but only a few firecrackers announced the peak of the mood for Christmas.

People socialized, congratulated, asked about health and reminded of some past times. It was especially interesting when, after a few years, former acquaintances and friends met, because there were inquiries as to who was doing what and where in the homeland or Bavaria, what they were doing and whether all former acquaintances were “on the phone”. There were moments and memories when some of those people who ended their earthly life and went “to God for the truth” were mentioned.

After the Christmas fire was extinguished, many stayed to talk over mulled wine and brandy, and there were quite a few who, after buying the Christmas tree, hurried home where other family members were waiting for them. It is characteristic for all of them that they rejoiced at the great holiday on Christmas Day and especially at Christmas, the most joyous Christian holiday.