Skopje, 6 January 2025 (MIA) — A traditional celebration of Badnik, Orthodox Christmas Eve, was held at Skopje's St. Clement of Ohrid Church earlier on Monday.

The event began with Orthodox Christmas carolling and the raising of the Badnik flag. Orthodox priests consecrated oak tree branches and the godfather's bread, which was then shared with the attendees.

This year's Badnik godfather was Radomir Makelarski, taking over from last year's Badnik godfather Bozhidar Jankovski.

The toast-giver was Atanas Petrov. In his Badnik toast in front of the church, he said: "We live in times of turbulent democracy. Let's do our best to provide the new generations with a better future." 

"And you, the people's elected representatives," Petrov continued, "should do your best to make our Skopje an even more beautiful and happier place to live."

One of the attendees was Centar Mayor Goran Gerasimovski. He said the holidays brought people closer together and extended his wishes for peace, love and prosperity.

Makelarski, the Badnik godfather urged "everyone, regardless of religion and nationality, to unite and live in harmony and peace." mr/