Friday, 28 December 2024 / 10 January 2025: Orthodox Christmas was celebrated in style for the sixth consecutive year in Monaco, with the Principality’s calendar once again featuring the Nativity Gala—a grand event uniting clergy, parishioners, and notable members of the Monegasque community.
Organized by the Parish of St. Elena in Monte Carlo under the guidance of His Grace Bishop Irenei of London and Western Europe, this year’s event, themed “A Georgian Christmas,” highlighted the rich Orthodox traditions and history of Georgia. Hosted at the Yacht Club de Monaco, the evening welcomed a distinguished delegation representing His Holiness Catholicos-Patriarch Ilya II of Georgia, including His Eminence Metropolitan Sava of Khoni and Samtredia, His Grace Bishop Vachtang of Margveti and Ubisi, and Protopresbyter George Zviadadze, Rector of Tbilisi Theological Academy and Seminary.
Meticulous planning by Alexander Hagerty, Starosta of St. Elena Parish, and the Parish Council brought together over 180 attendees to the Gala. Guests included Orthodox faithful from Monaco’s diverse communities—Russian, Ukrainian, Serbian, Romanian, Georgian, Greek, and more—alongside dignitaries from Monaco, France, and Italy. Among the notable figures were representatives of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II, senior government officials, and local mayors.
Monaco’s first Russian Orthodox parish
The evening commenced with a moleben (prayer service) at the Parish of St. Elena, Monaco’s first Russian Orthodox parish, which has long served as a spiritual home for Orthodox Christians of many nationalities. Following the service, attendees gathered at the Yacht Club for a lively evening of cultural celebration, featuring speeches, music, dance, and a Sotheby’s Monaco auction. The event also raised funds for the Monaco Red Cross, the Georgian Red Cross, and the St. Elena Parish, with hopes to surpass last year’s €32,000 total.
In his opening address, Bishop Irenei reflected on the profound significance of Christ’s Nativity in today’s challenging world and expressed gratitude to the Georgian delegation. He honoured their nation’s rich Christian heritage, presenting them with an icon of St. John the Wonderworker, blessed on the saint’s relics. His Eminence Metropolitan Sava responded with warm greetings from the Georgian Patriarch and spoke about Georgia’s Apostolic roots, highlighting the enduring bonds between the Georgian Orthodox Church and the wider Orthodox world.
Stellar Cultural Performances
Cultural highlights of the evening included stellar performances curated by Nino Tsiklauri, a St. Elena parishioner. Georgian traditional and modern songs were performed by award-winning soloist Sandra Gadelia, while European pieces were sung by Nicole Kotzman. The Basiani choir, internationally renowned for its mastery of Georgian chant, captivated the audience, as did operatic selections by Tako Esebua, winner of a national talent competition. Traditional Georgian dances by Melano Chachua, Luka Jorjoliani, and the Mandili Dance Ensemble added vibrancy and energy to the occasion.
The VI Annual Nativity Gala was not only a celebration of Georgia’s Orthodox heritage but also a testament to the unity and shared faith of the international Orthodox community in Monaco, fostering cultural appreciation, charity, and goodwill. A host of dignitaries from the Monegasque and French States attended including: Mme. Danielle Cottalorda, representing His Serene Highness, Prince Albert II, President of the Board of the Croix Rouge Monegasque; His Excellency, M. d’Haussonville, Ambassador of France to Monaco; M. Guillaume Rose, Minister of the Monaco Parliament and President of the Commission of Culture; M. Olivier Zamphiroff, representing the Principality’s Minister of Justice; M. Philippe Mangeard, Honorary Consul of Serbia to France (Nice); M. Gerard Spinelli, Mayor of Beausoleil, France; M. Stephane Cherki, Mayor of Eze, France; Prof. M. Christophe Trojani, Mayor of Villefranche; and many other esteemed members of the Monegasque, French and Italian communities.
