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Orthodox Christmas
Christmas celebrated by Eastern Orthodox churches following the Julian calendar.
January 7
Why It Matters
Eastern Orthodox Christians whose churches follow the Julian calendar celebrate the Nativity of Christ on January 7. Russian, Serbian, Georgian, Jerusalem and other Orthodox churches observe on this date.
How It Is Observed
Strict Advent fast broken on Christmas Eve after the first star appears, Liturgy of the Nativity, caroling, in Slavic traditions, twelve dishes on Christmas Eve, often said to represent the twelve apostles.
Sacred Text
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
, John 1:14 ↗