Orthodox christmas countries. Russia, Ukraine, Egypt, .

Orthodox christmas countries Why Tools Like the Orthodox Calendar Matter It is easier to stay connected to the Orthodox faith all year-round with materials such as the Lives of the Saints Calendar or the Wisdom of the Divine Philosophers series. Orthodox Christmas in Georgia in 2025. 15. The day of Christmas, and in some cases the day before and the day after, are recognized by many In some of these countries, all the Christians follow Orthodox Christmas. In Greece, Orthodox Christmas is a time for joy and celebration, marked by unique customs that reflect the nation’s maritime history and cultural heritage. While the majority of the Christian world celebrate Christmas Day on 25 December, for many of the world's 200 million Orthodox Christians, the birth of Jesus Christ is marked on 7 January. Africa. Patriarch Kirill, an enthusiastic backer of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, blessed icons and crosses Many Orthodox Christians in countries such as Canada fast before Christmas Day. Russian authorities may sometimes declare a national vacation from January 1 to 10 due to the close proximity of New Year's holidays (January 1-5 Orthodox countries and the Christmas date Share Sort by: Best. Orthodox Christmas is steeped in rich traditions that have been passed down for centuries. This article Orthodox Christians around the world have been celebrating Christmas by attending church services. This January celebration holds significance as a period of reflection, inner contemplation, and healing in Eastern European countries. For many Christmas is just a fading memory, but others are only just gearing up for celebrations. Many Christian communities, including Orthodox Christians, celebrate Christmas on 7 January. These customs are an integral part Orthodox Christmas began to be celebrated on January 7, which corresponds to December 25 according to the Julian calendar. The holiday is accompanied by traditions such as caroling, decorating homes and Christmas trees, and acts of charity as expressions of love and compassion. Of all the countries on the list, Russia is the largest both in land mass and the number of Orthodox Christian followers. Orthodox Christmas traditions in Georgia. Sport. Many Orthodox Christians celebrate over three days. Orthodox Christmas is celebrated on January 7th because many Orthodox churches use the Julian calendar for religious holidays, which is 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar used in most Western countries. The Christians of Uzbekistan celebrate Christmas on December 25 in the Julian calendar Orthodox Christians are estimated to number between 200 and 300 million people globally. A large number of people take part in the “Alilo” procession on Christmas The Orthodox churches themselves are actually split on the issue. Perhaps the most iconic Serbian holiday is Slava, a deeply rooted family tradition that dates back to the time of the Ottoman Empire. Orthodox Christmas Countries Can you name the countries that celebrate Christmas on January 7 (Orthodox Christmas) as a public (non-working) holiday? By kfastic. As you explore these global observances, you’ll notice how various countries incorporate unique cultural variations into their festivities. In Georgia, Christmas is celebrated on the 7th January. A liturgical feast central to Christianity, Christmas preparation begins on the First Sunday of Advent and it is followed by Christmastide, which historically in the West lasts twelve days and For example, while Christmas is widely celebrated on December 25th in Western countries, in Serbia, Orthodox Christmas is celebrated on January 7th. Christmas Day is Jan. Catholic Christmas traditions differ from those in Eastern church and the differences start with the date of observance. Yet in a distinction that dates back centuries, Orthodox Christians follow the Julian Read also: Hiding brooms, remembering the dead, other strange Christmas traditions around the world. Tovlis Babua, the Georgian Santa Claus, starts the celebrations on December 31st by bringing sweets and goodies to the youngsters. Orthodox Christmas is typically celebrated on either Jan. 2 percent is Russian Orthodox. Countries like Russia, Ukraine, and Serbia observe January 7th as a national holiday, with public ceremonies and cultural festivities honoring their religious heritage. For example in Macedonia the Protestants, where there is a historic sizable Methodist minority, follow Christmas on 7 th January like everyone Orthodox Christmas traditions vary globally, from festive meals in Greece to the vibrant caroling in Ukraine, showcasing unique customs that celebrate joy and unity! In many countries, Christmas services begin on Christmas Eve with a midnight liturgy. (39 per cent) of the world's Christians live in Russia - with around 85 per cent of them The Greek Orthodox, Syrian Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox and Romanian Orthodox churches, among others, celebrate Christmas on January 6 and the. Traditional Orthodox Christmas Customs. The Russian Orthodox Church has had strong political influence over the country for The majority of the countries in the region, however, celebrate Christmas on January 7 and call it Orthodox Christmas. This meal typically includes twelve dishes, representing the twelve apostles, with strict adherence to fasting rules. . It seems that mainly the Slavic orthodox churches, with the exception of Bulgaria, are the ones which do it on 7 January. Conflicting Christmas dates trace back centuries, though Pope Gregory XIII sought to solidify a date for the holiday in 1582 when Greece: Kalanda and the Christmas Boat. Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25 [a] as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world. In many Eastern European countries, the Holy Supper is a focal point of the evening. Like all the other major Orthodox countries, It is a time of spiritual reflection and practice. George the Victorious on Poklonnaya Hill in Moscow, Russia January 7, 2025. Once the badnjak and straw have been taken into the house, the Christmas Eve dinner may begin. Orthodox Christians are estimated to number between 250 and 300 million people. Give Quiz Kudos. World. Egypt: Coptic Christians in Egypt also celebrate Christmas on January 7th, observing a 43-day fast before the holiday. New. Christmas Eve, according to the Julian calendar, is Jan. Which countries celebrate Orthodox Christmas? Answer: Some countries celebrate Orthodox Christmas on January 7 as a national holiday. The Orthodox Church recognises January 7th as the day that Jesus was born. In Orthodoxy, it is one of the twelve great feasts of the Lord and is preceded by a 40-day Nativity Fast. 3m. In foreign countries, holiday preparations begin several months in advance and are carried out with great enthusiasm and ceremony. If you're wondering how to spend Christmas in Montenegro, take a look at this full article, written by Andrej - our Balkans writer! Ancient tradition, family gatherings and on-street celebrations combine during Montenegro at Some Orthodox communities have chosen to celebrate Christmas by the “new style”, like the Latvian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, which starting from the 1920s holds Christmas celebrations on December 24 Orthodox Christmas is not a public holiday in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada so businesses and schools remain open as usual. His Holiness Abune Mathias, Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, called for a prayer for peace as we celebrate the holiday. Russia's President Vladimir Putin attends the Orthodox Christmas liturgy at the Church of St. Many people identify the Nativity Fast as the period of preparing to celebrate Jesus Christ’s birth. The Amish community in America still observe Christmas on 'Little Christmas'. 7. Image source, Getty Images. Avoid booking meetings and scheduling events during Orthodox Christmas if possible Are Orthodox Christmas traditions different? Orthodox Christmas customs and traditions vary from country to country, but while there are Christmas trees, wreaths and some gifts, it’s not like the commercialised Christmas that we know. What is Orthodox Christmas? Orthodox Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ but it is celebrated on 7th January instead of 25th December. Orthodox Christmas is on a different date than Christmas in many countries because the Eastern Orthodox Church follows the Julian calendar instead of the Gregorian calendar. Leading up to Orthodox Christmas, many Orthodox Christians observe a period of fasting and prayer known as Advent. Tengrinews. Some of the orthodox churches celebrate Christmas on 7 January, others on 25 December. In this article, we’ll explore the tradition of Christmas cards and how you can find the perfect one to gift your friends and family this Christmas! Importance of Orthodox Christmas Cards Christmas is one of the most globally celebrated holidays in the world. Which countries observe Orthodox Christmas in 2026? When is Orthodox Christmas? The Orthodox Church recognises January 7th as the day that Jesus was born. Which neighboring countries celebrate Orthodox Christmas on January 7 together with Russia? Orthodox Christmas is a holiday in many post–Soviet republics. Majority-Orthodox countries include Russia, Ukraine and Greece, whose churches are part of the In around 15 countries in Central and Eastern Europe that follow Eastern Orthodox Christianity, including Belarus, Egypt, Ethiopia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Macedonia, Moldova, A day by day guide to Orthodox Christmas around the world in 2025 showing which countries observe holidays. Orthodox countries such as Belarus, Macedonia, Georgia, and Ukraine are some of the few that have a significant number of Orthodox Christians, and some of them have even announced January 7th as a public holiday! As we approach the end of the year and the great Feast of Christmas, Orthodox Christians in Australia will be celebrating the birth of our common Saviour on different days. Orthodox Christmas is celebrated in countries with a good number of Orthodox Christian populations. In Kazakhstan, Orthodox Christmas is a holiday, a day off. Some countries, such as Armenia, observe Christmas Observance of Christmas in various locations around the world. By a decree of the Government of Georgia, January 3, 6, and 8-10, 2025, have been designated as public holidays for employees of administrative bodies defined by the General Administrative Code. Russia, Ukraine, Egypt, Interestingly, not all countries observe Christmas, highlighting the Orthodox Christians in several countries, including Ethiopia, Egypt, Eritrea are celebrating Christmas on January 7. This tradition dates back to the time of medieval Serbia, and it continues even today in some parts of Serbia and other Orthodox countries. EDIT: also the legend clearly indicates that the map considers Finland to be a majority orthodox country, since in the case of muslim majority countries - and only in those cases - it specifies that the host countries aren't orthodox. Top. A large number of countries Where is Orthodox Christmas celebrated? Orthodox Christianity tends to be focused in eastern and southeastern Europe, Russia, Northern Asia, Egypt, Ethiopia and parts of the Middle East. Prayers are read every year during Christmas in Orthodox churches in Azerbaijan. CHRISTMAS IN WESTERN COUNTRIES Christmas is the most important and favorite holiday of the year in all Western world. The Armenian Orthodox church celebrates Christmas on Orthodox Christmas is celebrated by approximately 260 million people worldwide, both in majority-Orthodox countries in Eastern Europe, like Russia and Greece, and in communities in Ethiopia, Egypt Read about Orthodox Christmas in Russia in 2026. Catholic Christmas is celebrated on December, 25 according to Gregorian calendar while Orthodox church uses Orthodox Christmas in other countries; Orthodox Christmas internationally: Related holidays; Armenian Orthodox Christmas Day; Coptic Christmas; When is Orthodox Christmas? The Orthodox Church recognises January 7th as the day that Jesus was born. In Armenia, the tradition of the Eastern churches has been preserved to celebrate the celebration of the Birth of Christ on the same day as Epiphany and Baptism. 7, 2024. Find out how different cultures celebrate this important religious holiday on January 7th. On Christmas Eve, clergy and people dressed in religious costumes go from door to door, singing Christmas songs, and collecting money and small gifts. Jan. The Armenian people observe Christmas Day on January 6. The head of household makes the Sign of the Cross, lights a candle, and censes the whole house. The countries include Belarus, Egypt, Ethiopia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, Russia, and Ukraine. 13 Questions. Business. Significant Orthodox communities also exist in the Middle East, mainly in Christmas in Georgia. The visit from the položajnik is an exciting . Open comment sort options. Orthodox Christmas Customs and Traditions. The atmosphere is reverent and joyous, with hymns and prayers filling the air. The observance of Christmas around the world varies by country. 7, according to the Julian calendar. Out of a population of 35 million, approximately 2. This year, January 7 falls on Tuesday. Yet in a distinction that dates back centuries, Orthodox Christians follow the Julian The celebrations in Orthodox countries began midnight on "Christmas Eve", by which we mean January 6. Orthodox Christmas is celebrated in 16 countries (Picture: Cemal Yurttas/ dia images via Getty Images) The Gregorian calendar replaced the Julian calendar after Pope Gregory of Rome developed it Serbia: Serbian Orthodox Christians observe Christmas on January 7 after a period of fasting. These are just a few examples; there are many other countries Orthodox Christmas in other countries; Orthodox Christmas internationally: Related holidays; Armenian Orthodox Christmas Day; Coptic Christmas; When is Orthodox Christmas? The Orthodox Church recognises January 7th as the day that Jesus was born. Orthodox Russians, Serbs, Georgians, Poles and Ukrainians, as well as parishioners of the Greek Orthodox Church of Jerusalem, Eastern Catholic Churches, Coptic Christians and monks of Mount Athos celebrate Christmas according to the Orthodox Christianity In Some Of The World's Countries Orthodox Christianity In Russia . Orthodox Christmas is known by different names in different countries: Russia: Rozhdestvo Serbia: Božić Romania: Crăciunul Ortodox Ukraine: Різдво (Rizdvo) Orthodox Christmas focuses on religious rituals and traditions. Today, the Orthodox Church is significant in the spiritual and cultural life of many countries around the world, including Greece, Russia, and the Middle Orthodox Christians in Russia celebrate Christmas on Jan. However, many countries such as Egypt, Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, Serbia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Macedonia, and Moldova observe a national holiday to celebrate Orthodox Christmas. If Christmas Day falls on a weekend, the non-labor day moves to the following Monday. Since the fall of the Soviet Union, this number has continued to decline as ethnic Russians and other Orthodox Christians emigrate to Russia and other countries. This article discusses the meaning of Orthodox Christmas, touching upon its various traditions, practices, and religious observances. The celebration of Orthodox Christmas in Serbia is a tradition deeply entrenched in the culture of this Balkan nation. Orthodox Christmas Day is an important holiday for Orthodox Christians, as it marks the beginning of the Christmas season, which culminates in the celebration of Epiphany on January 19th. Armenia: The Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates Christmas on January 6th, combining it with the Feast Nowadays, most Orthodox countries follow the Gregorian calendar, but still observe a number of religious holidays on the Julian dates. In different countries, there are various traditional meals served. Since the vast majority of the population in Georgia is Orthodox Christian, Christmas is one of the most important holidays of the year. Members of the second-largest Christian communion in the world, the Orthodox Church, celebrate Christmas on January 7. In some Russian Orthodox Christmas celebrations frequently extend beyond the borders of Russia, reflecting the global presence of the Orthodox Church. Orthodox Christmas Day, therefore, is not just a religious event, but a celebration of unity and brotherhood amongst Kazakhs. All the others do it on 25 December. The traditions of Orthodox Christmas Eve vary widely among different cultures but share common religious themes. 6 or 7. Christmas isn’t the festive holiday at the end of the year in all countries. While much of the world has Christmas in the rearview mirror by now, people in some Eastern Orthodox traditions will celebrating the holy day on Sunday. The majority of Orthodox Christians are concentrated in Eastern and Southeastern Europe, particularly in countries like Russia and Ukraine. In Ireland, Nollaig na mBan (Woman's Christmas) was traditionally celebrated on Little Christmas. Intentional planning. Beyond the familiar traditions like Santa Claus, a fir The Orthodox Christmas Eve meal is traditionally meat and alcohol-free, usually consisting of 12 dishes representing the 12 apostles. Give Quiz Kudos-- Ratings. Religious leaders have conveyed a Christmas message emphasizing the need for peace. In Georgia and other countries like Romania and Greece, a religious procession called "Alilo" is a major Orthodox Christmas tradition. But not everybody celebrates the same way—or even on the same day. Slava: A Tradition Like No Other. 6. ORTHODOX CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS THROUGHOUT THE ORTHODOX WORLD. By 1923, there was a 13-day difference between the two calendars, putting Orthodox Christmas 13 days after December 25, on 7 January. In Greek Orthodox tradition, baklava, kourabiethes, melomakarona, and other pastries Christian colleagues are aware of Orthodox Christmas and how they can be supportive. kz - Orthodox Christmas is one of the most significant Christian holidays, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Elsewhere in the Christmas is not an official holiday in Uzbekistan. In accordance with the ancient Julian calendar used by the Georgian Orthodox Church, the celebration of Christmas in Georgia takes place on January 7th. Christmas is a more purely religious feast in Orthodox Christian tradition-it is not as commercial as in some other parts of the world. During this time, Christmas trees are decorated in homes and various public spaces, and streets are illuminated. Key Points. The time is more about self reflection, prayer and healing. Each nation imbues the holiday with its distinct customs, reflecting a blend of religious devotion and local culture. The Orthodox As the Holiday is celebrated, many parts of the country are still at war – particularly the Amhara region. Reuters. News. President Vladimir Putin’s call for a temporary 36-hour ceasefire in Ukraine so that Orthodox followers can attend Christmas services. It is believed that fasting helps people shift their focus Orthodox Christians around the world are celebrating Christmas, even as two of the faith's most populous nations - Russia and Ukraine - continue to fight in Europe's largest conflict since World For much of the Western world, Christmas is celebrated on December 25, according to the Gregorian calendar. Opinion In Egypt, a church service was held to mark Orthodox Christmas Eve celebrations at the Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church in the capital Orthodox Christmas in Serbia. Orthodox Christians in some parts of Europe and other countries including Russia, Ukraine, Georgia and Serbia celebrate Christmas on Jan. Türkiye. For countries like Egypt, Greece, Russia and Ukraine, Orthodox Christmas Day is a public holiday. Orthodox Christmas is celebrated prominently in Eastern European countries and among diaspora communities worldwide. Regardless of the country, Orthodox Christmas traditions are steeped in rich cultural heritage and deep spiritual meaning, bringing joy and unity to communities around the world. Comments. This is because the Georgian Orthodox Church (like the Orthodox Churches in Russia, Serbia and other countries) use the old 'Julian' calendar for their Christmas in Russia (Russian: Рождество Христово, Rozhdestvo Khristovo), called Е́же по пло́ти Рождество Господа Бога и Спа́са нашего Иисуса Христа (Yezhe po ploti Rozhdestvo Gospoda Boga i Spasa nashego Yisusa Khrista) in the Russian Orthodox Church, is a holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. Despite being majorly a Muslim country, Kazakhstan showcases great religious tolerance and cultural diversity, with Orthodox Christianity being the second most practiced religion in the country. Learn unique Orthodox Christmas traditions from various countries. And it's one you don't want to miss. Members of these communities officially celebrate Christmas on 7 January, as per the Julian Some Saskatchewanians have begun their annual celebration of Orthodox Christmas. Slava is the celebration of a The Orthodox Calendar Company offers a variety of Orthodox Christmas cards made with modern design elements. 7, two weeks after those from Western churches. Orthodox Christmas presents the chance to remember who we are, what we believe in, our loved ones, and ourselves. When is Orthodox Christmas? The Orthodox Church recognises January 7th as the day that Jesus was born. Orthodox Christmas traditions. In Serbia, Christmas has been a national holiday since July 2001. Distinct Greek Traditions: Kalanda: Children sing carols from house to house, often accompanied by triangles or small drums. While the majority of the Christian world celebrate Christmas Day on 25 December, for many of the Christmas Day is a public holiday on January 7 in countries such as Belarus, Egypt, Ethiopia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, Russia, and Ukraine. While some Orthodox Churches celebrate Christmas January 7 following the Julian calendar, Father Yannick Provost, an Orthodox priest in Brittany, France, reflects on the meaning and liturgical In some parts of the world, January 6th is sometimes referred to as 'Old Christmas' or 'Little Christmas', recalling the old date that the Armenian Christians still observe. The reason these dates vary so much from what we know as Christmas is down to a difference in Egyptian Coptic Orthodox Christians attend the Christmas Eve mass at the Nativity of Christ Cathedral in Cairo, on January 6, 2018. While December 25 is still acknowledged, only the catholic population of this part of Eastern Europe observes it and makes sure that their Christmas trees are in full decor by this day. Elsewhere in the world, Christmas is celebrated on December 25th. While it’s not a holiday in Canada, many Orthodox Christians throughout the country will Orthodox Christmas is recognized and celebrated by a total of 16 countries which include Russia, Ukraine, Egypt and Serbia. Christmas is one of the main Christian holidays, established in honor of the birth in the flesh of Jesus Christ from the Virgin Mary. Best. Over time, most Orthodox Christian countries adopted the Gregorian calendar for secular use. While the majority of Western countries celebrate Christmas on December 25 according to the Gregorian calendar, Orthodox Christians follow the Julian calendar and celebrate on January 7. On Christmas Day, people pray, gather with loved ones at the family table, share warmth and joy, and For much of the Western world, Christmas is celebrated on December 25, according to the Gregorian calendar. 5,399 Plays 5,399 Plays 5,399 Plays. In the mid-1920s, the country saw a massive anti-religious campaign FILE - Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill, center, delivers the Christmas service in the Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Moscow, Russia, Friday, Jan. In Orthodox Christian countries in Europe, the Gregorian Christmas Eve Dinner. As the Julian calendar persists, the Gregorian date for Orthodox Christmas will transition to January 8, 2101, if the Julian calendar endures beyond 2100. Some of the countries where Orthodox Christmas is observed include Greece, Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Serbia, Romania, Ethiopia, Palestine, Georgia, and Egypt (Coptic Orthodox Church). More than 200 million Christians around the world are associated with Orthodox churches. Along with Christians of other traditions, Serbia: Christmas in Serbia begins with traditional customs like burning a Yule log and continues with Orthodox liturgies and festive meals. Here, there are 101 million followers of the faith. Orthodox Christmas is a national holiday in Russia so banks and public offices are closed on January 7. On the eve of Christmas, known as Christmas Eve, believers observe a strict fast, which ends with a festive evening service in church. Orthodox Christmas is celebrated in countries where the Orthodox Church holds significant sway, including Russia, Serbia, Georgia, Ethiopia, and Greece. 6, 2023. rcibe khgn wemazqwp uehh wsz adndt herpms qmlc uwdqw ydorhy