01/07/23

Permalink FACTBOX: Orthodox Christian world celebrates Christmas

Until 1917, Christmas had been one of the official holidays in the Russian Empire. It had not been celebrated in Russia until the 1990s | On January 7, Orthodox Christians around the world celebrate one of the most important holidays: the Nativity of Jesus. Celebration date: On January 7, Christmas is celebrated by the Russian, Georgian, Jerusalemite, Polish and Serbian Orthodox churches, the Athos monasteries in Greece, as well as the Eastern Catholic Church and the Old Believers. The Roman Catholic, Protestant and ten Orthodox churches (including the Church of Antioch, the Church of Alexandria, the Church of Cyprus, the Bulgarian Church, and others) mark the date earlier, on December 25. The reason is different denominations adhere to different calendars: Julian or Gregorian. Christmas tradition in Russia: The holiday is preceded by a strict 40-day fast, which lasts from November 28 to January 6. On Christmas Eve, the festive liturgy is served in all churches. At the end of the service, a lighted candle, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem, is brought out and placed in the middle of the church. Christmas kicks off a 12-day season commonly referred to as Christmastide or Yuletide. According to the Orthodox canons, believers should offer prayers glorifying Jesus Christ. In the folk tradition, Christmastide has always been a time of festivities, outdoor games and performances by mummers, fortune-telling, as well as caroling. The Christmas period ends with the feast of the Epiphany on January 19.

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