In Vatican figure of Baby Jesus in Nativity scene to be brought by policeman and firefighter

This year, during the Christmas Eve Mass, a figure of Baby Jesus will be put in the Christmas crib in St Peter's Square by two Vatican employees: a police officer and a firefighter. The procession will be held, according to ancient tradition, at the moment of the hymn singing "Glory to God", reports the Vatican Radio.

The decision of the Governorship – in commemoration of the bicentenary of the founding of the Vatican Gendarmerie Corps – is intended to be "a small gesture of appreciation and gratitude to the people who have given generously to the service of neighbor in trouble, working very hard."

The report recalled that immediately after the strong earthquake on August 24 and then on October 30 in Central Italy Vatican firemen and gendarmes began to cooperate with the Italian police, civil defense and numerous volunteers. They were selflessly "saving people under the rubble, dismantled collapses, patrolled the villages to prevent possible looting of property." In particular, in the town of Norcia firefighters "came to the assistance of families and returned them things of uninhabitable buildings, and also took part in the rescue of works of art, buried under the rubble of the walls of the various churches of the Archdiocese of Spoleto and Norcia."

Read also

Lawyers continue accepting statements in defense of Kyiv Metropolis in court

UOC lawyers have published document templates and step-by-step instructions for believers wishing to submit statements in the DESS lawsuit.

Czech Roman Catholic bishop responds to killing of Sviatohirsk Lavra monk

Catholic Bishop Tomáš Holub called for prayers for all those suffering in Ukraine.

Thousands of faithful honor St. Job of Pochaiv

Clergy and thousands of faithful took part in the traditional procession with the relics of St. Job on the feast commemorating their discovery.

Chernivtsi authorities plan to forcibly evict UOC community from cathedral

A Chernivtsi enforcement officer said authorities intend to forcibly evict the UOC community from the cathedral with the involvement of law enforcement.

Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra commemorates saints of Far Caves

The UOC chancellor led the Liturgy on the feast day of the venerable saints of the Kyiv Caves who rest in the Far Caves.

Poland marks 100th anniversary of Lemkos’ return to Orthodoxy

Hierarchs of the Polish Orthodox Church led celebrations in Gorlice marking the 100th anniversary of the Lemkos’ return to the Orthodox faith.