I’m delighted to explore the fascinating world of Orthodox Christmas, a celebration that brings together millions of faithful observers across the globe each January. While many Westerners exchange gifts and celebrate Christmas on December 25th, Orthodox Christians follow a different calendar and tradition, marking this sacred holiday on January 7th. This rich cultural tapestry of Orthodox Christmas weaves together ancient customs, deeply spiritual practices, and heartwarming family traditions that have endured for centuries.
Join nationalparkshops’s team as we unwrap the meaningful traditions, historical significance, and modern-day observances that make Orthodox Christmas a truly unique and beautiful expression of faith. From the elaborate church services to the special festive meals that unite families, this exploration will illuminate why this celebration holds such a special place in the hearts of Orthodox believers worldwide.
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Why is Orthodox Christmas on the 7th of January?
Technically, there are no differences. All Eastern Orthodox believers recognize December 25 as Christmas, also known as the Feast of the Nativity. The debate is whether December 25 corresponds to December 25 or January 7 in the modern calendar, which needs some explanation.
The early church established its religious celebrations according to the Julian calendar, but over more than a thousand years, this calendar became increasingly inaccurate to the solar year. In the 16th century, Pope Gregory XIII introduced a reformed calendar that was more accurate astronomically, named after him. This revision advanced the calendar by several days to correct previous inaccuracies and improved the calculation of leap years. Protestant churches and secular governments eventually adopted this new calendar along with the Catholic Church.
All Eastern Orthodox churches adhered to the old calendar until 1923 when an inter-Orthodox assembly accepted a new version of the Julian calendar that closely resembles the Gregorian one. Most, though not all, churches within the Greek Orthodox tradition, along with those in Romanian, Bulgarian, and other Orthodox traditions, have implemented this change.
However, the Russian Orthodox Church, which is the largest group within Eastern Orthodoxy, has retained the old calendar, celebrating Christmas on January 7 according to the new calendar, as do Serbian, Georgian, and some other Orthodox.
Orthodox Christmas traditions
Members of the Orthodox Church observe a fasting period that lasts for 40 days leading up to Christmas. Throughout this entire duration, the consumption of meat is strictly prohibited.
Following the Orthodox Christmas service on January 6th, numerous individuals come together with their loved ones to prepare a grand feast, marking the conclusion of their fasting period.
In the traditions of the Ukrainian and Russian Orthodox communities, it is customary to serve 12 special dishes on Christmas Eve, which symbolize the apostles of Christ. These dishes may include items such as cabbage soup, baked apples, vegetable stew, and bread.
One of the most recognized dishes during this time is Kutia, which consists of wheat mixed with honey and poppy seeds. This dish signifies family unity and the hope for a bountiful harvest in the upcoming year.
Additionally, other customs within the Orthodox faith involve adorning the home and dining area with a sheaf of wheat, known as didukh, which is believed to invite blessings for a fruitful harvest. Singing carols is also a cherished tradition that occurs before the special meal referred to as the ‘holy supper’.
>> Read More: 13 Unique Christmas Traditions Around The World
Which countries celebrate Christmas on 7 January?
Numerous nations around the globe observe Christmas on December 25. Among these, Russia stands out as it is home to over one-third (39 percent) of the global Christian population.
Certain Orthodox countries, including Greece, Cyprus, and Romania, have adopted December 25 as their Christmas date after transitioning to a new calendar system. Despite this change, they continue to commemorate celebrations on Epiphany, which falls on January 6, along with Christmas Eve, in accordance with their previous Julian calendar system.
Countries that maintain January as their time for celebrating Orthodox Christmas include:
- Russia
- Ukraine
- Israel
- Egypt
- Bulgaria
- Serbia
- Belarus
- Montenegro
- Kazakhstan
- Macedonia
- Ethiopia
- Eritrea
- Georgia
- Moldova
What about Orthodox Christmas in North America?
In the United States, the way Christmas is celebrated can differ greatly, even among various religious traditions. Churches that follow the Greek and Antiochian customs, as well as those in the Orthodox Church in America, typically celebrate Christmas on December 25th. Conversely, some churches that adhere to Slavic traditions, such as Serbian and certain smaller Russian congregations, choose to celebrate it on January 7th.
Within the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese of North America, which has its origins in modern-day Ukraine and Slovakia, individual parishes have the autonomy to decide which date they will observe for Christmas. Approximately one-third of these parishes follow the newer calendar system.
Metropolitan Gregory of Nyssa, who leads this diocese from Johnstown, Pennsylvania, expressed the unique situation he faces by stating, “I have the difficulty or excitement of celebrating twice.” Some parishes are planning to commemorate Theophany (also known as Epiphany) on Saturday, which honors the baptism of Jesus Christ, while others will hold celebrations for his birth the next day.
The Twelve Days of Orthodox Christmas
The Twelve Days of Orthodox Christmas is a significant and joyous period in the Orthodox Christian liturgical calendar, commencing on December 25 and concluding on January 5. This festive season celebrates the Nativity of Jesus Christ and culminates in the Feast of Theophany, which commemorates His baptism.
Overview of the Twelve Days
The Twelve Days of Christmas are observed as follows:
- First Day (December 25): Christmas Day, celebrating the birth of Christ.
- Second Day (December 26): Known as the Synaxis of the Theotokos, it honors the Virgin Mary, the Mother of God.
- Third Day (December 27): The feast of Saint Stephen, the first martyr.
- Subsequent Days: Various saints are commemorated each day, leading up to the Eve of Theophany on January 5.
The period is marked by a spirit of celebration and feasting, with no fasting observed except on January 5, which is a day of strict fasting in preparation for Theophany.
Liturgical Practices
During these twelve days, Orthodox Christians engage in several liturgical practices:
- Divine Liturgy: Attending services is central to the celebration. Many congregations hold special services throughout this period.
- Nativity Greetings: A customary greeting during this time is “Christ is born!” with the response “Glorify Him!” This greeting is exchanged among parishioners and reflects the joy of the season.
- Feasts and Gatherings: Families often gather for meals that celebrate traditional foods. Each day can involve special dishes that vary by culture and region.
Cultural Variations
Orthodox Christmas celebrations can differ based on cultural backgrounds:
- In countries like Russia, Serbia, and Ukraine, Christmas is celebrated on January 7 due to adherence to the Julian calendar. In contrast, some Orthodox communities in Greece and Romania have shifted to the Gregorian calendar and celebrate on December 25.
- The last day of this festive period, known as Twelfth Night, often involves communal celebrations and may include gift exchanges. Some families choose to remove Christmas decorations after this day.
What’s the difference between Christmas and Orthodox Christmas?
The differences between Christmas and Orthodox Christmas primarily revolve around the dates of celebration, liturgical practices, and cultural traditions. Most Christian denominations in the Western world celebrate Christmas on December 25, based on the Gregorian calendar. In contrast, many Orthodox Christians observe Christmas on January 7, following the Julian calendar, which is currently 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar. This discrepancy is rooted in historical changes to calendar systems, as the Gregorian calendar was introduced in 1582 to correct inaccuracies in the Julian calendar.
In terms of liturgical practices, both traditions celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ; however, the Orthodox Church includes a significant preparatory period known as the Nativity Fast, lasting for 40 days leading up to Christmas. This fast involves dietary restrictions and spiritual reflection. The Orthodox Christmas season also encompasses the Twelve Days of Christmas, running from December 25 to January 6, culminating in the Feast of Theophany, which celebrates Christ’s baptism.
Culturally, Christmas in Western societies has become heavily commercialized, focusing on elements like Santa Claus, gift-giving, and festive decorations. While these aspects are present in some Orthodox cultures, there is a stronger emphasis on religious observance and community worship during this period. Traditional foods and celebrations also vary significantly between cultures.
Overall, while both Christmas and Orthodox Christmas celebrate the same event, the birth of Jesus Christ – the differences highlight the diversity within Christianity and reflect each tradition’s unique historical and cultural contexts.
>> Read More: How to Say Merry Christmas in Different Languages: 100+ languages
Conclusion
Orthodox Christmas is more than just a date on the calendar; it’s a vibrant tapestry woven with faith, family, and festive traditions. From the anticipation of the Nativity Fast to the joyous celebrations on January 7th, this holiday offers a unique and deeply meaningful experience. So, as the candles flicker and the carols echo, may the spirit of Orthodox Christmas fill your heart with warmth, joy, and a renewed sense of wonder.
