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Orthodox Christmas 2023: Why do Orthodox Christians Celebrate Christmas on January 7?

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Riya Arya

Let’s explore about Orthodox Christmas . Well, Here’s everything you need to find out so far. Let’s have a look on what we have found out for you.

Is today Orthodox Christmas ? Why is it celebrated on 7th January? What is the historical background? What are its activities? Is there anything else you should know?

To know the answers of the questions mentioned above, go through this article. Let’s get started.

Orthodox Christmas 2023

About Orthodox Christmas

As we all know that according to the Gregorian calendar, christmas is celebrated on December 25 but on the other hand, Orthodox Christians follow the Julian calendar celebrate it on January 7. Orthodox Christians are estimated to between 200 and 300 million people worldwide . Majority-Orthodox countries are Russia, Ukraine, Egypt and Greece.

History of Orthodox Christmas

The Julian calendar was established by Julius Caesar in 46 B.C. Protestants accepted the new calendar in the early 1700s. The Orthodox believers celebrate Christmas on January 7th.

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The Armenian Orthodox Church claimed Christmas Day to be celebrated on January 6th. 6th January was the original date for Christmas until the 4th century.

Orthodox Christmas 2023

Why do Orthodox Christians celebrate on January 7?

In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII decided to considered Christian holidays as per Gregorian calendar, which claims Jesus Christ birth as December 25. The Orthodox Church separated into its own branch of Christianity during the Great Schism of 1054 due to political differences. Thus, Orthodox Christians decided not to follow Pope Gregory’s new calendar and continued to follow the Julian calendar.

Where is Orthodox Christmas observed?

  • Belarus Jan 7
  • Moldova Jan 7
  • Montenegro Jan 7
  • North Macedonia Jan 7
  • Russia Jan 7
  • Serbia Jan 7
  • Ukraine Jan 7
  • Eritrea Jan 7
  • Ethiopia Jan 7
  • Georgia Jan 7
  • Kazakhstan Jan 7
  • Kosovo Jan 7
  • Kyrgyzstan Jan 7

How Does Orthodox Celebrate Christmas?

The festive lights is served in churches at midnight on Christmas Eve. A lighted candle, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem. This candle is placed in the middle of the church. This period ends with the feast of the Epiphany on January 19th.

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People pray to Jesus Christ. Various outdoor games, and performances are arranged during this time.

Orthodox Christmas 2023

FAQs- Frequenlty Asked Questions

Is Orthodox Christmas always January 7?

Orthodox Christmas is celebrated on either Jan. 6 or 7.

Which Orthodox countries celebrate Christmas on January 7?

Ukrainians, like Russians and Orthodox in some other countries, observed Christmas on Jan. 7.

Is January 6th the real Christmas?

January 6 is the day traditionally known as Old Christmas.

Do you also celebrate Christmas on 7th January? In order to conclude the article, We hope you enjoyed reading this article. We tried our best to keep you update with all the latest information regarding National Bobblehead Day 2023. According to the Gregorian calendar, christmas is celebrated on December 25 but on the other hand, Orthodox Christians follow the Julian calendar celebrate it on January 7. Orthodox Christians are estimated to between 200 and 300 million people worldwide . There are several people and countries follow Orthodox Christmas Day, Orthodox countries are Russia, Ukraine, Egypt and Greece. What do you think of this old tradional Christmas?

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