Turkey for Christmas
Though it comes as a surprise to some, St Nicholas originates from what is now modern-day Turkey - then Greek and ruled by the Roman Empire in the 4th century. Now commonly known world-over as Santa Claus or Father Christmas, he is still an important figure in Turkey, and is called Noel Baba (‘Father Noel’). Many of the trappings of Christmas that come with him – trees, presents and even eating roast turkey – are common but here the focus is around New Year and it is completely void of religious references and sentiment.
With slow but significant church growth in some of Turkey’s cities, the Turkish believers face the challenge of creating a culturally relevant celebration to mark Christmas, especially with everybody expected to work as normal up to New Year. Churches who meet publicly usually celebrate on the nearest weekend by hiring a large venue and putting on an evangelistic Christmas service, perhaps jointly with other churches.
Christmas Eve services are especially popular and may attract many visitors. Words from the first chapter of John’s gospel “The Word became flesh” are often used as Turkish Muslims read in the Koran that Allah is the eternal word and so they can relate to and understand this concept. Smaller home fellowships may do something quite low-key, but still take this great opportunity to invite friends and relatives to hear the Nativity story and enjoy a festive meal.
There can of course be opposition to these celebrations from conservative Muslims who see marking Christmas as an attempt to Westernise and Christianise their country. However, tolerance usually prevails - it is common for the prime minister and city mayors to send seasonal congratulations to their Christian citizens or local ex-pat communities.
Kazak Church Raided
Urgent Prayer Request - Please Pray and Share with others - Police cut off electricity and raid legally registered Church in Kazakhstan - The pastor and his family taken away in a police van for questioning. Watch this incredible video video footage taken by a church member.
Gap Year Opportunity
We have an urgent need for someone to volunteer at our Central Asian Resouce Centre in Istanbul. Ideal for a gap year (or longer!) Do you know anyone? We would appreciate it if you would share this post with your friends. Thanks.
