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DECEMBER 2014 -
SEXY GLAM
MAGAZINE -
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the population who really
celebrate Christ-
mas. Most
Egyp-
tian
Chris-
tians be-
long
to the Coptic
Orthodox Church and they have some
very unique traditions for Christmas.
Christmas Day isn’t celebrated on the
25th December but on 7th January
(like in Ethiopia and by
some Orthodox Christians
in Russia and Serbia).
The Coptic month leading to Christ-
mas is called Kiahk. People sing spe-
cial praise songs on Saturday nights
before the Sunday Service.
For the 43 days
before Christmas
(Advent), from
25th November
to 6th January,
Coptic Orthodox
Christians have a
special fast where
they basically eat
a vegan diet. The
don’t eat anything
containing prod-
ucts that come
from animals (in-
cluding chicken,
beef, milk and
eggs). This is
called ‘The Holy
Nativity Fast’. But
if people are too
weak or ill to fast
properly they can
be excused.
On Coptic Christmas Eve (6th Janu-
ary), Coptic Christians go to church
for a special liturgy or Service. The
services normally start about 10.30pm
but some chapels will be open for
people to pray from 10.00pm. Many