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Orthodox Christmas: Why is the date different around the world?


Orthodox Christians around the globe are preparing for their own Christmas, which they celebrate on January 7.

But why chose this day to celebrate? Who celebrates it and how is the occasion marked?

This is simply due to a difference in calendars. The majority of the Orthodox churches worldwide use the Julian calendar, created under the reign of Julius Caesar in 45 BC, and have not adopted the Gregorian calendar, proposed by Latin Pope Gregory of Rome in 1582. There are 13 days in difference between the two calendars, the Gregorian calendar being the one long adopted by Western nations. The Epiphany, for instance, is celebrated on January 19, rather than January 6.

How do Russians celebrate Christmas?

In Russia, home to 39 per cent of the world’s Orthodox Christians, people enjoy more days off over Christmas than any other country in Europe, starting on New Year’s Day and carrying through to Orthodox Christmas day. During the Soviet era, the celebration of Christmas was banned (along with the celebration of other religious holidays).

Traditions which remain include a big family meal on Christmas Eve which often features12 courses to represent the 12 apostles. The meal varies from region to region but the most traditional ones include:
- Kutia: a pudding traditionally made of wheat and fruit, with the addition of poppy seeds and honey.
- Vzvar : a traditional Russian drink, served at the beginning of the Russian Christmas dinner. The Russian Vzvar consists of the following ingredients: dried prunes, dried apples, sugar and water;
- Roast cod or fish;
- Borscht or beetroot soup;
- Vegetable Pie;
- Salads such as the salad Olivier also called the “Russian salad” usually made with diced boiled potatoes, carrots, brined dill pickles, green peas, eggs, celeriac, onions.

On January 7, families attend Church and settle down for a Christmas dinner similar to that in the West.


Which other countries celebrate Christmas in January?

Christmas is observed on January 7 by 16 different Eastern Orthodox churches.
Nearly 39 per cent of the total number of Orthodox Christians in the world live in Russia and around 85 per cent of them choose to celebrate Christmas in January.

The other countries that will be celebrating Christmas in January include Belarus, Montenegro, Russia, Ukraine, Greece, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Macedonia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Egypt, Israel, Georgia, Moldova, Bulgaria, Romania.

Source: http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/orthodox-christmas-when-why-how-russia-celebrate-date-14-january-greek-greece-catholic-church-a7512666.html#gallery

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