Christmas falls on a different day in the Orthodox Church because they still observe the traditional Julian calendar, which has the original dates for Christian celebrations before the Gregorian calendar was introduced. This means that, technically, Orthodox churches still observe Christmas on December 25.

Also Is Orthodox Christmas always January 7?

Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on January 7. The celebrations in Orthodox countries began midnight on “Christmas Eve”, by which we mean January 6. … Nowadays, most Orthodox countries follow the Gregorian calendar, but still observe a number of religious holidays on the Julian dates.

Subsequently, Why is Catholic and Orthodox Christmas different? Firstly, the difference between Orthodox and Catholic Christmas is quite simply an issue about dates. … Therefore, while the West celebrates the birth of Christ on the 25th December (according to the Gregorian Calendar), the Orthodox Church, in accordance with the Julian Calendar, celebrate Christmas on the 7th January.

Why do Greek Orthodox celebrate Christmas on December 25? Unlike other countries that are part of the European Union, Greece still has the true meaning of such a holiday as the Nativity of Christ – the birth of Jesus Christ. The date of this holiday is determined following the Gregorian calendar, so it falls on December 25th.

Why is Ukrainian Christmas January 7?

Christmas in Ukraine is celebrated on the 7th January is because, like many countries where the main Church is the Orthodox Church, they use the old ‘Julian’ calendar for their church festivals. … The star represents the journey of the Wise Men to find Jesus and that Jesus has been born, so Christmas can start!

Which Orthodox churches celebrate Christmas on January 7?

Most Orthodox Christians for example, celebrate Christmas on January 7th as opposed to December 25th – today namely being the Coptic Orthodox Church (in Egypt) and the Russian Orthodox Church. The difference in these dates lies in the history of how these dates came about in the first place.

Who celebrates Christmas on January 6th?

During the “Armenian Christmas” season, the major events that are celebrated are the Nativity of Christ in Bethlehem and His Baptism in the River Jordan. The day of this major feast in the Armenian Church is January 6th.

What religion celebrates Christmas January 7th?

Many Orthodox Christians around the world celebrate Christmas Day on or near January 7. This is because their churches use a different calendar to figure out when their holidays are.

What is the difference between Christmas and Orthodox Christmas?

Over the years, the differences in these two calendars meant that certain religious holidays would fall under two different dates, which is essentially why the majority of the world celebrate on December 25th, in accordance to the Gregorian calendar, while a few Orthodox Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ …

What the difference between Orthodox and Catholic?

The Catholic Church believes the pope to be infallible in matters of doctrine. Orthodox believers reject the infallibility of the pope and consider their own patriarchs, too, as human and thus subject to error. … Most Orthodox Churches have both ordained married priests and celibate monastics, so celibacy is an option.

Who celebrates Christmas on the 6th of January?

In the Holy Land, the Orthodox churches use the old, Julian calendar—which has a difference of 13 days with the Gregorian (or “Western” calendar in use today—to determine the date of the religious feasts. Accordingly, the Armenians celebrate Christmas on January 19th and the Greek Orthodox celebrate on January 6th.

Which Orthodox churches celebrate Christmas on 25 December?

Most Orthodox Christians for example, celebrate Christmas on January 7th as opposed to December 25th – today namely being the Coptic Orthodox Church (in Egypt) and the Russian Orthodox Church. The difference in these dates lies in the history of how these dates came about in the first place.

When did Greek Orthodox change Christmas?

So the Orthodox Church rejected the Gregorian calendar and continued to rely on the Julian calendar. It stayed that way for centuries, and the calendar drift continued for Orthodox churches. By 1923, there was a 13-day difference between the two calendars, putting Orthodox Christmas 13 days after December 25.

What day does the Greek Orthodox Church celebrate Christmas?

Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on 7 January. However, the celebrations often begin at midnight on “Christmas Eve”, meaning 6 January.

What holiday is January 7th?


2021 Daily Holidays that fall on January 7, include:

  • Distaff Day.
  • Harlem Globetrotter’s Day.
  • I’m Not Going to Take It Anymore Day.
  • International Programmer’s Day.
  • National Bobblehead Day.
  • National Pass Gas Day.
  • National Tempura Day.
  • Old Rock Day.

Why is the 6th of January called Little Christmas?

Throughout Ireland, the 6th of January is the day that all the decorations come down and are put away for another year. … ‘Little Christmas’ got its name because, under the Julian Calendar, Christmas day celebrations were held in January, whereas under the Gregorian calendar, Christmas day falls on December 25.

What is celebrated on the 6th of January?

Epiphany is observed on January 6 by Roman Catholics, Lutherans, Anglicans, and Christians of other Western traditions. Eastern traditions that follow the Julian calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar celebrate Epiphany on January 19, since their Christmas Eve falls on January 6.

What day is Jesus’s birthday?

Jesus’ Birthday dates

Year Date Day
2021
December 25

Saturday
2022 December 25 Sunday
2023 December 25 Monday
2024 December 25 Wednesday

What do you say for Orthodox Christmas?

Merry Christmas to all Orthodox believers. May these days of celebration bring peace, health and happiness to your homes and your families,” he said in a note.

Does Santa come on Orthodox Christmas?

While each Orthodox Christian country has its own unique traditions, they all include church services and great feasts. Many have their own version of Santa Claus too, like in Russia where Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost) and his granddaughter Snegurochka (Snow Maiden) deliver presents to the children.

How long is Orthodox Christmas?

Eastern Christianity

Christmas and Epiphany are celebrated by these churches on 25 December and 6 January using the Julian calendar, which correspond to 7 and 19 January using the Gregorian calendar. The Twelve Days, using the Gregorian calendar, end at sunset on 18 January.

What do the Orthodox believe?

Essentially the Orthodox Church shares much with the other Christian Churches in the belief that God revealed himself in Jesus Christ, and a belief in the incarnation of Christ, his crucifixion and resurrection.

Can you be both Catholic and Orthodox?

Most Orthodox Churches allow marriages between members of the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church. … Because the Catholic Church respects their celebration of the Mass as a true sacrament, intercommunion with the Eastern Orthodox in “suitable circumstances and with Church authority” is both possible and encouraged.

Can Orthodox go to Catholic church?

If you are attending as a worshiper: Mostly yes. All Orthodox sacraments are considered valid by the Church. …