Amid persecution, Christians in Nigeria, including Orthodox Christians under the authority of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa, continue to practice their faith with joy and hope. See photos of the celebration of the Sunday Before Nativity on Dec. 22, 2024 in the Orthodox Cathedral of The Resurrection of The Lord in Lagos here.

“14 Irigwe Christians Killed Days Before Christmas,” International Christian Concern, December 23, 2024:

12/23/2024 Nigeria (International Christian Concern) — On Sunday, Dec. 22, armed men killed 14 Christians, including a pregnant woman and a 1-year-old girl, shortly after a Christmas carol service at the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA).

The attack, which occurred about 22 miles from Jos, Plateau state, is the latest against the Irigwe tribe in north-central Nigeria, a region grappling with conflict and vulnerability due to attacks by Islamic Fulani extremists. The community surrounding the church is home to about 1,000 Christians. Local leader Wuna Gado expressed his heartache, stating he had alerted military personnel at a nearby checkpoint about unusual activities but felt his warnings were dismissed.

The horrific attack resulted in the loss of entire families, prompting the community to hold a mass burial to honor their deceased. Among the victims were 1-year-old Sheba Ernest and her mother, Mary Stephen….