SERB-ORTHODOX BELIEVERS CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS EVE

( Editorial: --> 2647 ) Vukovar, 6 January 1998 (Hina) - On Tuesday evening Serb-Orthodox believers in Vukovar celebrated Christmas eve, the arrival of the main Serb-Orthodox holiday. Holy mass was held at the Serb center next to the Vukovar's Serb- Orthodox church of St. Nicholas, whose interior still has not been renovated. After the mass,an oak stump was set on fire in front of the chruch door, in accordance with the Orthodox customs. The traditional burning of the stump was attended by political leaders of the Podunavlje Serbs, Vojislav Stanimirović and Miloš Vojnović. Serb-Orthodox believers also celebrated Christmas eve at the Pastoral church of St. Mary's Ascension in Osijek. (hina) 062029 MET jan 98