Orthodox Christmas Julian Calendar

Orthodox Christmas is celebrated by millions of Christians around the world on January 7th according to the Julian calendar. This date is different from the Gregorian calendar, which is commonly used in Western countries. The Julian calendar, named after Julius Caesar, was introduced by the Roman Emperor Julius Caesar in 46 BC. It was widely used until the Gregorian calendar was adopted in 1582. However, many Eastern Orthodox churches still follow the Julian calendar for religious holidays, including Christmas.

Orthodox Christmas is a time of great significance for Orthodox Christians, as it marks the birth of Jesus Christ. The celebrations typically begin with a period of fasting and prayer, known as Advent, which lasts for 40 days. On Christmas Eve, families gather for a special meal, often consisting of traditional dishes like kutia, borscht, and pierogi. The midnight liturgy is a central part of the celebrations, where worshippers come together to sing hymns and celebrate the birth of Christ.

Orthodox Christmas Julian Calendar

Traditions and Customs of Orthodox Christmas

Orthodox Christmas is celebrated with a variety of traditions and customs that vary from country to country. In Russia, for example, it is traditional to fast until the first star appears in the sky on Christmas Eve. Once the star is spotted, families sit down to a lavish meal of twelve different dishes, symbolizing the twelve apostles. In Greece, it is common to exchange gifts on St. Basil’s Day, which falls on January 1st.

Another important tradition of Orthodox Christmas is the blessing of the waters, which takes place on Epiphany, January 19th. In many Orthodox communities, a priest will bless a body of water, such as a river or lake, by throwing a cross into the water. This symbolizes the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River and is believed to bring blessings and protection for the coming year.

Celebrating Orthodox Christmas Around the World

Orthodox Christmas is celebrated in many countries around the world, including Russia, Ukraine, Greece, Serbia, and Ethiopia. In Russia, the holiday is known as Rozhdestvo and is celebrated with a variety of traditions, including the practice of visiting friends and family to exchange gifts and well-wishes. In Greece, the holiday is known as Christougenna and is marked by a festive atmosphere with music, dancing, and delicious food.

Overall, Orthodox Christmas in the Julian calendar is a time of joy and celebration for millions of Orthodox Christians around the world. Whether you are observing the holiday with traditional customs or simply enjoying time with loved ones, the spirit of Christmas is a time to reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ and the message of love and peace that he brought to the world.