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Russian and Greek Orthodox Christmas: Honoring the Nativity of Jesus in the Orthodox Church
Overview
Around the globe, billions of people celebrate Christmas, which is a happy time of year. Christmas is especially significant to Orthodox Christians since it commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, the main figure in their religion. This essay will examine the distinctive traditions and practices of Russian and Greek Orthodox Christmases, as well as how they vary from the more popular December 25th celebration of Christmas.
Greek Orthodox Christmas
Christmas, or the Feast of the Nativity of Jesus, is observed on December 25 by Greek Orthodox Christians[1]. With the adoption of the Gregorian calendar, which is used by most Christians worldwide, many Greek Orthodox Christians residing in nations such as the United States and Canada also celebrate Christmas on December 25th[3]. Christmas is observed on January 7th because certain Greek Orthodox churches in Greece and other nations continue to use the Julian calendar[2].
Greek Orthodox Christmas Customs
- Christmas Eve: Greek Orthodox Christians often celebrate Christmas Eve with a sumptuous dinner at home after attending church[1].
- Fastening: For the forty days before Christmas, Greek Orthodox Christians fast, that is, they do not eat[1].
- Gift Giving: Following the Christmas Liturgy, family members break the fast by sharing food and companionship while exchanging gifts[1].
- Visiting Hospitals: Some Greek Orthodox families sing the kalanda to patients on Christmas Day who are unable to enjoy the holiday because of medical conditions[1].
Russian Orthodox Christmas
According to the Julian calendar, Russian Orthodox Christians likewise celebrate Christmas on January 7th[2]. Nevertheless, a number of Russian Orthodox churches have switched to the Gregorian calendar and celebrate Christmas on December 25 in nations including the US and Canada[2].
Russian Traditional Christmas Customs
- Christmas Eve: On Christmas Eve, Russian Orthodox Christians often attend church and then have a celebratory dinner at home[2].
- Fastening: Like Greek Orthodox Christians, Russian Orthodox Christians fast for 40 days before Christmas[2].
- Gift Giving: Following the Christmas Liturgy, relatives break the fast by sharing food and fellowship and exchanging gifts[2].
A Comparison of Russian and Greek Orthodox Christmas Traditions
While both Russian Orthodox and Greek Orthodox Christians commemorate the birth of Jesus, they use different calendars and choose different dates to do so. There is a 13-day gap between the two festivities because Russian Orthodox Christians use the older Julian calendar, whereas Greek Orthodox Christians follow the Julian calendar[2].
Final Thoughts
Both Russian Orthodox and Greek Orthodox Christmases are happy celebrations of the birth of Jesus Christ. The emphasis of both customs is on pious religious festivities, fasting, and gift-giving, even if the calendar and celebration date are different. These distinctive practices provide a fascinating glimpse into the many ways that Christians commemorate the most significant holiday of the year around the globe.
Frequently asked questions
1. Why is the Julian calendar used by Greek Orthodox Christians?
Because the Julian calendar more closely corresponds to the solar year, which is crucial for figuring out the dates of religious events, Greek Orthodox Christians adopt it[4].
2. Why is Christmas observed on January 7th by Russian Orthodox Christians?
Russian Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on January 7th because they continue to use the antiquated Julian calendar, which is 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar that is used by most Christians worldwide[2].
3. Do Greek Orthodox and Russian Orthodox churches celebrate Christmas differently from one another?
While both Russian Orthodox and Greek Orthodox Christians commemorate the birth of Jesus, they use different calendars and choose different dates to do so. There is a 13-day gap between the two festivities because Russian Orthodox Christians use the older Julian calendar, whereas Greek Orthodox Christians follow the Julian calendar[2].
4. Do Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on December 25th or January 7th in the United States and Canada?
Depending on their particular church or tradition, Orthodox Christians in the US and Canada might opt to celebrate Christmas on December 25th or January 7th[2].
5. How do Russian and Greek Orthodox Christmas customs differ from one another?
Fasting, going to church, and sharing presents are just a few of the Christmas customs that Russian and Greek Orthodox Christians have in common. Greek Orthodox Christians use the Julian calendar, whilst Russian Orthodox Christians use the older Julian calendar[2]. Nevertheless, the calendar and celebration day chosen are different.
References: My Greek Orthodox Christmas, orthodox Christmas holidays calendar in Russia, How to celebrate Orthodox Christmas in January, What's the story behind orthodox Christmas?, This article explains why it is appropriate to celebrate Christmas in January on National Geographic
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