In pictures: Orthodox Christmas

Christmas and Epiphany are being marked in the former Soviet Union, Europe, the Middle East and Africa by Orthodox Christians who follow the Julian calendar.

Millions of worshippers across the region flocked churches for the holy Christmas service

...people of all ages - with families and alone - came to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ

...some prayed in silence during the solemn liturgy

Russian President Vladimir Putin broke his ski holiday to attend the service

At Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity, built where Christians believe Jesus was born, many prayed for peace

In Egypt, the son of President Mubarak joined the country's Coptic Christian minority for the liturgy

In Ukraine, worshippers braved freezing temperatures, and some warmed up with a homemade vodka