RELIGION
L.A. County churches celebrate Christmas
Holiday is marked by Masses, services and charitable works
The Rev. Darren Merlino celebrates Christmas Day Mass on Wednesday at the San Gabriel Mission. Established in 1771 and one of the California missions founded by Junipero Serra to honor the Archangel Gabriel, the San Gabriel Mission’s church reopened after rebuilding from the damage of a 2020 arson fire. Photos by John McCoy
The Rev. Darren Merlino celebrates Christmas Day Mass on Wednesday from the altar of the San Gabriel Mission Church in San Gabriel.
Christians across Los Angeles County marked the birth of Jesus Christ with Masses, special services and other celebrations. Many also gathered to provide meals to the homeless and toys to needy children.
The congregation at St. Cyril of Jerusalem Catholic Church enjoyed a classical Christmas music program, “Carols with St. Cyril Choir and Orchestra,” that was included as part of the Christmas day’s schedule at the Encino parish.
The half-hour interlude included eight carols from the 16th century to modern adaptations of chants and along with music performed by the