The Orthodox New Year is also known as the Old New Year. This tradition is observed in many Orthodox Christian countries and communities, particularly those that continue to follow the Julian calendar for religious celebrations.

Table of Contents

1. When is Orthodox New Year?
2. The History of Orthodox New Year
3. What Do People Do on This Day?

When is Orthodox New Year?

The Orthodox New Year is celebrated on January 14th in the Gregorian calendar. This date corresponds to January 1st in the Julian calendar, which is 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar.

The following is the list of Orthodox New Year from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Orthodox New Year

The Orthodox New Year has its roots in the divergence between the Julian calendar and the Gregorian calendar, which created a 13-day difference in the way dates are calculated. While it is not a formal religious holiday, it holds cultural and historical significance in many Orthodox Christian communities.

Introduced by Julius Caesar in 45 BCE, the Julian calendar was used across much of the Christian world for centuries. It calculated the year based on a 365.25-day solar cycle, with a leap year every four years.

By the 16th century, the Julian calendar had accumulated a 10-day error due to inaccuracies in its leap year rule. In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII introduced the Gregorian calendar to realign the calendar year with astronomical events like the spring equinox.

Catholic countries quickly adopted the new calendar, while many Orthodox Christian regions continued using the Julian calendar.

As of the 20th and 21st centuries, the difference between the Julian and Gregorian calendars grew to 13 days. Orthodox churches and communities that adhered to the Julian calendar celebrated January 1st on the Julian calendar, which corresponds to January 14th on the Gregorian calendar.

What Do People Do on This Day?

The Orthodox New Year is observed with a blend of religious rituals, cultural traditions and festive activities. Its customs vary across countries but generally emphasize prayer, community and the hope for a prosperous year ahead.

Many Orthodox Christians attend a special New Year's liturgy, which may include prayers for blessings and renewal. The day coincides with the feast of Saint Basil the Great, and his liturgy is often celebrated.

Priests may visit homes to perform blessings, using holy water to sprinkle rooms and invoke God's protection for the coming year. Individuals and families pray for health, prosperity, and guidance in the new year.

Families come together to share festive meals, often featuring traditional dishes. In some communities, people bake bread or cakes with symbolic tokens hidden inside, such as coins, to bring luck to the person who finds them.

In rural areas, people may perform rituals to ensure a good harvest, such as scattering seeds or blessing livestock. Bonfires or fireworks are lit in some regions to mark the new year with light and festivity.

People use the Orthodox New Year as an opportunity to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the future. Unlike the Gregorian New Year, this celebration tends to be more intimate and family-focused.