MARDIN
Christians living in southeastern province of Mardin attended a Christmas day ceremony that was held at Mor Behnam (Kirklar) Church.
The religious service was led by Saliba Ozmen, metropolitan bishop of Mardin and Diyarbakir and the church's Archpriest Gabriel Akyuz during which male and female choirs recited prayers in Syriac and Turkish.
Muslim residents and Syrians participated in the ceremony and celebration as well.
In addition, Mardin's district Midyat also hosted a Christmas ceremony in which Syrian Orthodox people participated.
Priest Ishak Ergun headed the ceremony at Mort Smuni Church and prayed for peace, wishing dominance of peace in Turkey and Middle East and living of people in peace and unity.
A ceremony was also held at the Virgin Mary Syriac Church in Diyarbakir's district Sur which was led by priest Yusuf Akbulut.
The ceremony lasted for two hours during which worshippers recited prayers that mentioned about Prophet Jesus.
During the ceremonies, priests and worshippers prayed for peace in the region and the world.
Christmas is an annual commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ and a widely observed cultural holiday, celebrated generally on December 25 by millions of people around the world.
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