Skopje, 6 January 2023 (MIA) – Orthodox Christians in the country celebrate Christmas Eve (Badnik) on Friday, Jan. 6 – the day prior to the great holiday of the Birth of Jesus Christ – Christmas. 

The traditional event will be held at the Skopje-based Cathedral church “St. Clement of Ohrid.” 

Veterans Mojso Mojsovski and Vancho – Ive Stevkov are this year’s Badnik godfather and toast-giver, while as a tribute to the late Marko Ilkovski, his nephew will participate to symbolize youth and continuing the tradition of the Christmas Eve celebration.  

In the evening on Badnik, the closest family is gathering around the Badnik dinner. 

The main event at this dinner is the cutting of the Christmas bread on pieces for each member of the family, one for the home and one for Jesus Christ. Inside the Christmas Bread there is a coin. There is a belief that whoever finds the coin in his/her piece of the bread will have luck the whole year. The coin is put in a glass of wine and the lucky person should drink from the wine. 

The house is decorated with oak branches with their leaves on, representing the wish of the family for long and healthy life.