Hundreds of people queued in the square outside the St Dimitrija of Solun church in Stewart St, buying candles and programs and greeting each other with "Hristos se rodi" ("Christ is born"), and answering with "Vistina se rodi" ("Yes, it's true Christ is born today").

Inside it was frenetic; parishioners mostly standing, lighting candles, praying and chatting.

Offerings of cut flowers, money and household items lined the church as the Very Reverend Alexandar Ivanovski read a message from the mother church in the Republic of Macedonia.

Church spokesman Lou Stefanovski said the region's Macedonian community was fortunate to celebrate Christmas twice; their children receiving presents on December 25 and January 7.

This was in keeping with the Julian calendar, which is still followed in the homeland.

After yesterday's service, most parishioners returned home for a family lunch consisting of lamb roast and pork, and the traditional meal "pacha".

"On behalf of the Macedonian Orthodox Community and our Patron Saint Dimitrija of Solun, we would like to wish all Australians a peaceful, safe and happy New Year. May God bless everyone," Mr Stefanovski said.