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Eastern Orthodox Churches Celebrate the Faith with Orthodox Christmas Traditions
Overview
Orthodox Christmas is a special and significant occasion for followers of the Eastern Orthodox faith, and it is observed on January 7. Orthodox Christians maintain the old Julian calendar, which causes a 13-day difference between their Christmas and the Gregorian Christmas celebrated by the majority of the globe, even though most people celebrate Christmas on December 25[1]. The remarkable rituals and traditions that provide Orthodox Christians a unique and meaningful celebration of Christmas will be examined in this essay.
Julian Calendar: The Secret to a Traditional Christmas
Emperor Constantine established the Julian calendar in 325 AD, and it is still in use by the Eastern Orthodox Church[1]. Because of this calendar's 13-day delay over the Gregorian calendar, Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas differently from other Christians[1].
A Complete Guide to Orthodox Christmas Celebration
1. The Christmas Eve Rush
Before Christmas, Orthodox Christians fast for up to 40 days in order to prepare for the birth of Christ. They do this by avoiding meat, dairy, fish, alcohol, and olive oil[3]. The Nativity Fast is a period of fasting that is used for introspection, prayer, and healing[2].
2. The Candlelight Vigil
Orthodox Christmas festivities revolve on the Christmas Eve vigil. To commemorate the birth of Christ, churchgoers congregate at their local churches for a series of services and prayers[3]. Some customs, like those of Serbian Orthodox churches, start the vigil with a brief outdoor ritual in which a young oak tree or branch is burned while a declaration of Christ's birth is made[1].
3. The Activities on Christmas Day
One of the Church's Twelve Great Feasts, Orthodox Christmas is observed at home and in church[3]. Processions to a lake or river to bless the water are a common part of the celebrations[2]. Some nations, such as Russia, have a custom of serving baked geese with apples; in Egypt, the dish of choice is fattah (toasted bread topped with grains and meat) and filled vine leaves[2].
4. The Christmas Twelve Days
A 12-day period that connects the birth of Christ with his baptism in the Jordan River is observed as Orthodox Christmas[4]. The "12 days of Christmas" are a span of time that is marked by a variety of celebrations and observances[4].
5. Differences by Region
The nation and church branch have an impact on the different Orthodox Christmas customs. For instance, in order to celebrate Christmas on December 25 in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, Orthodox Christians in Greece, Cyprus, and Romania made this decision[2]. Some customs, such as the Russian Orthodox Church, continue to celebrate Christmas on January 7 and use the outdated Julian calendar[1].
Final Thoughts
The Eastern Orthodox Church's rich history and customs are reflected in the special and significant celebration of Orthodox Christmas. Believers may completely embrace the spirit of the season and commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ by keeping the Nativity Fast, taking part in Christmas Eve vigils, and celebrating in different ways during the 12 days of Christmas.
Frequently asked questions
1. Why is January 7th designated as Christmas Day for Orthodox Christians?
Because they utilize the old Julian calendar, which begins 13 days later than the Gregorian calendar used by most people, Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on January 7[1].
2. Describe the Nativity Fast.
Orthodox Christians fast and pray for up to 40 days before Christmas during the Nativity Fast, refraining from eating meat, dairy, fish, alcohol, and olive oil[3].
3. What takes place on Christmas Eve?
A major component of Orthodox Christmas festivities is the Christmas Eve vigil, when parishioners congregate at their local churches for a series of services and prayers commemorating the birth of Christ[3].
4. How are Orthodox Christmases observed across the world?
The nation and church branch have an impact on the different Orthodox Christmas customs. For instance, Orthodox Christians commemorate Christmas on December 25 in Greece, Cyprus, and Romania, while January 7 is observed by people in Russia, Egypt, and other nations that still use the old Julian calendar[2].
5. What kinds of meals are served throughout the Orthodox Christmas season?
In Egypt, traditional Orthodox Christmas fare consists of fattah (toasted bread with rice and pork) and baked geese with apples, whereas in Russia it is called stuffed vine leaves[2].
References
[1] orthodox Christmas holidays calendar in Russia: https://apnews.com/article/44d7565257a2f65445607a1fa1d14d8b3
[2] /real-word/orthodox-christmas/ on www.trafalgar.com
[3] This article explains why it is appropriate to celebrate Christmas in January on National Geographic
[4] The website GoArch.org explains what the Twelve Days of Christmas are.
[5] Here are ten reasons to celebrate Christmas the orthodox way: https://www.ocf.net/
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