Orthodox Christmas is one of the twelve main Christian holidays. But its date differs from Western traditions and may cause misunderstandings. Tell us why Christmas is celebrated on different dates in the West and in Russia it is celebrated on different dates, and when Russian Orthodox Christians celebrate this holiday.
The Russian Orthodox Church, as well as the Jerusalem, Serbian and Georgian Churches celebrate the Nativity of Christ on January 7th.
determining the date of Christmas celebration using calendars of different countries. Western Christian churches, including Catholic and Protestant churches, use the Gregorian calendar, created in 1582 by order of Pope Gregory XIII. According to this calendar, Christmas is celebrated on December 25th. The difference between the Gregorian and Julian calendars is 13 days. That is why Christmas in Russia and other Orthodox countries is celebrated on January 7 according to the Gregorian calendar, which corresponds to December 25 according to the Julian calendar.
For Orthodox Christians, the meaning of Christmas remains regardless of the date. This holiday symbolizes the image of Jesus Christ and the importance of the spiritual values that he brings to the world.
