As in other Orthodox Christian traditions in Russia, Serbia, and Ethiopia, Egyptian Coptic Christians have been celebrating the Christmas season with a month-long fast - a vegan type diet for 43 days leading up to the Christmas Day holiday January 7. At the culmination of the season Tuesday, Coptic Christian families in Cairo gathered to worship and sing, dressed in their best, to break the fast together and celebrate.
Egypt's Coptic Christians Celebrate Christmas
9
At Christmas, Coptic men wear special garments known as Tonyas. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
10
In the Coptic tradition, men and women worship separately. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
11
Coptic men attend a Christmas celebration Mass where the story of Jesus' nativity is re-told. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
12
Egyptian politicians, members of parliament, and government officials attend Christmas Mass where they congratulate leaders of the Coptic community. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)