We inform the faithful of the Montenegrin Orthodox Church and the citizens of Bar that this year, due to unfavorable weather conditions and the lack of adequate space, the traditional lighting of Montenegrin badnjaks will not be organized in Bar.

With faith and respect for our sacred tradition and the spirit of our ancestors, we invite the faithful and all those who carry Montenegrin tradition in their hearts to join the traditional lighting of the badnjak on January 6, 2026 (December 24, 2025), in Cetinje, in front of the Bishop’s Residence (Vladika’s Court) at Gruda at 3:00 PM, and in Kotor, in front of the Church of Saint Peter of Cetinje the Wonderworker in the Old Town at 6:30 PM, where, as for centuries past, Christmas Eve will be marked with dignity and in unity.

We also remind the public that in our city this year, as well, the celebration of the Christmas Divine Liturgy of the Montenegrin Orthodox Church will not take place due to the absence of a religious facility. Therefore, the clergy of the Montenegrin Orthodox Church, of the Archdiocese of Kotor and the Coast, will celebrate the Christmas Divine Liturgy in Kotor, at the Church of Saint Peter of Cetinje the Wonderworker, on January 7, beginning at 9:45 AM.

With the wish that we welcome and celebrate the holidays in peace, dignity, and Christian love, we once again extend our congratulations to all the faithful on the occasion of Christmas Eve and Christmas.

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Badnjak and Christmas Greeting

The Montenegrin Orthodox Church – Bar Parish extends sincere greetings on the occasion of Christmas Eve and Christmas to all faithful of the Montenegrin Orthodox Church and to all Orthodox believers who carry Montenegrin tradition and the spirit of their ancestors in their hearts.

May these joyful and gentle days of Christ’s Nativity bring faith, hope, mutual forgiveness, and respect to all, and fill hearts with love, kindness, peace, and joy. We wish all the faithful to celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas in health, peace, and salvation.

President of the Orthodox Parish of Bar,
Archdiocese of Kotor and the Coast – Montenegrin Orthodox Church,
Aleksandra Šofranac