Hilandar Monastery Marks Nativity of Christ on Mt. Athos
Hilandar Monastery on Mt. Athos celebrated the Nativity of Christ with solemn services attended by monks, pilgrims, and guests from Serbia.
MT. ATHOS, GREECE — The Serbian Orthodox Monastery of Hilandar on Mt. Athos solemnly marked the Feast of the Nativity of Christ on January 7, 2026, drawing monks, pilgrims, and guests from Serbia for festal worship. According to the monastery brotherhood, the celebrations began with an All-Night Vigil and culminated in the Divine Liturgy, presided over by Abbot Methodius, in an atmosphere of prayer and reverence.
Among those present were Medveđa Mayor Dragan Kulić and Nebojša Arsić, director of the “Geyser” Rehabilitation Hospital in Šijarinska Banja, both of whom support the “Hilandar Village” project in southern Serbia. The initiative provides accommodation and programs for children and young people through organized camps, summer schools, and educational and recreational activities, with backing from church and civic partners.
Pilgrims from Serbia and other countries joined the Hilandar brotherhood in celebrating the Nativity, sharing in the spiritual joy of the feast. The celebration concluded with a festive communal meal, strengthening bonds of fellowship and faith.
Previously, the UOJ reported that Abbot Methodius of Hilandar Monastery visited St. Peter's Monastery in Montana.
