Orthodox Christmas Day is celebrated by Orthodox Christians around the world. The difference in date from the December 25 celebration of Christmas in the Western Christian tradition arises from the use of different calendars.

When is Orthodox Christmas Day?

Orthodox Christmas Day is celebrated on January 7 each year. This date is used by many Eastern Orthodox Churches that follow the Julian calendar for their liturgical schedule. Due to the difference in the Gregorian calendar used in many parts of the world, which is 13 days ahead, Orthodox Christmas falls on January 7 instead of December 25.

The History of Orthodox Christmas Day?

The history of Orthodox Christmas Day, celebrated by many Eastern Orthodox Churches, is intertwined with the history of Christianity itself and the adoption of different calendars for religious observances.

The celebration of Jesus Christ's birth, which later became known as Christmas, was not initially observed by the early Christian church. The primary focus was on the Resurrection. The first recorded date of Christmas being celebrated on December 25 was in 336 A.D., during the time of Roman Emperor Constantine, the first Christian Roman Emperor. Eventually, December 25th was widely accepted as the date of Jesus' birth.

The Julian calendar, introduced by Julius Caesar in 45 B.C., was the calendar used by the Roman Empire and, subsequently, by the Christian church. Over centuries, the Julian calendar became increasingly out of sync with the solar year due to a calculation error in the leap year system.

To correct this discrepancy, Pope Gregory XIII instituted the Gregorian calendar in 1582. This calendar was more accurate in aligning with the solar year. While the Gregorian calendar was gradually adopted by most of the Western world, many Eastern Orthodox Churches continued to use the Julian calendar for their religious observances.

Due to the difference of 13 days between the Julian and Gregorian calendars, December 25 in the Julian calendar falls on January 7 in the Gregorian calendar. The Eastern Orthodox Churches have maintained the Julian calendar for liturgical purposes, preserving their traditional religious observances and dates.

Orthodox Christmas Day's observance on January 7 is a reflection of both historical traditions and the diversity within the Christian faith in terms of calendar usage and cultural practices. It underscores the rich tapestry of Christian history and the significance of maintaining religious traditions across generations.

What Do People Do on This Day?

On Orthodox Christmas Day, various traditions and activities are observed, reflecting the rich cultural and religious heritage of the Orthodox Church. Here are some ways people celebrate this day.

Attending church services is central to Orthodox Christmas celebrations. The Divine Liturgy of the Nativity is typically celebrated, which includes communion, hymns, and prayers commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.

Many Orthodox Christians observe a period of fasting leading up to Christmas Day. The fast typically ends after the Christmas Eve service, known as the Feast of the Nativity.

On Christmas Eve, a special meal called the Holy Supper in Russian tradition might be served. This meal often includes twelve dishes, symbolizing the twelve apostles.

Families gather to celebrate together, often sharing a festive meal and exchanging gifts. It's also common to visit friends and relatives on Christmas Day or during the days following.

While less commercialized than in Western traditions, some Orthodox Christians decorate their homes with Nativity scenes, Christmas trees, and lights. In some cultures, caroling is a popular tradition, where groups of people visit homes singing Christmas hymns and carols.

Orthodox Christmas Day is a blend of solemn religious observance and joyous celebration. It underscores the importance of family, faith, and cultural traditions, providing a time for both reflection and festive gatherings.

Catholic and Orthodox Church

The Western Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church are two of the largest Christian denominations, each with its unique history, theology, and practices. Their differences stem from various theological, political, and cultural factors that have evolved over centuries.

Both the Western and Eastern Churches share common roots in the early Christian Church. The two branches formally split in the Great Schism of 1054, primarily due to disputes over papal authority and theological differences. This schism solidified the division between the Roman Catholic Church in the West and the Orthodox Churches in the East.

– Papal Authority: One of the primary differences is the role of the Pope. The Catholic Church views the Pope as the supreme spiritual authority, a successor to Saint Peter. The Orthodox Church, however, sees the Pope as one of the bishops, without universal jurisdiction.

– The Filioque Clause: The addition of the phrase "and the Son" to the Nicene Creed by the Western Church was a significant point of contention. The Orthodox Church maintains the original version of the Creed, which states that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father alone.

– Worship Style: The Orthodox Church is known for its rich and elaborate liturgical tradition, which includes the divine liturgy, icons, and extensive use of incense. The Catholic Church, while also liturgical, has a more streamlined liturgy as a result of the reforms of the Second Vatican Council.

– Language: The Orthodox Church often uses traditional liturgical languages (like Greek, Slavic languages, etc.), while the Catholic Church primarily uses the vernacular language since Vatican II.

– Hierarchy: The Catholic Church has a more centralized structure with the Pope at its head. The Orthodox Church is a communion of self-governing Churches, each led by a bishop.

– Global Presence: The Catholic Church has a larger global presence, while the Orthodox Church has significant followers primarily in Eastern Europe and some parts of the Middle East and Africa.

It's important to note that despite these differences, both the Catholic and Orthodox Churches share much common ground, including belief in the Trinity, the divinity of Christ, the significance of the Virgin Mary, and the tradition of apostolic succession.