Archimandrite Christopher Calin, dean of the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Virgin Protection, explained why so many Orthodox churches celebrate Christmas later than most … It celebrtates Christmas on December 25 but the calendar it uses is 13 days late. Why Do Some Christians Celebrate Christmas on January 7? Why does the Russian Othordox Church celebrate Christmas on January the 7th? Religious holidays in Ukraine are determined by the Orthodox Church, which follows the Julian calendar, introduced by Julius Cesar in 45 BC. On 7 January, Coptic Orthodox Christians – who comprise 90 percent of Egypt's Christians – will break their 43-day fast and celebrate Christmas. The 16 Countries Who Believe It Is with regard to Why Does Russia Celebrate Christmas On … Due to a difference in calendars, Jan. 6 marks Christmas Eve for many Orthodox churches and Christmas will be celebrated on Saturday. For millions of Christians throughout the world it is the happiest and the busiest time of the year. Well, the reason is that the Russian Orthodox Church still lives according to the old Julian Calendar , which is currently 13 days behind the Gregorian Calendar , which is adopted by most countries in the world (and by the Russian government). The work of Euromaidan Press is supported by the International Renaissance Foundation, © EUROMAIDAN PRESS This allows citizens to choose when to celebrate one of the largest Church holidays. Favourite answer. Answer. Thus the years 1800 and 1900 were not leap years although they are divisible by 4. No, but I have a couple of traditional cookbooks and will now look for it. Lessons from the history of the Ukrainian National Republic, All you wanted to know about Ukraine in one book and on one YouTube channel, A Ukrainian composer’s gift to the world of Christmas music, Ukraine gets two Christmases – December 25 and January 7, Celebrating Vodokhreshchа (Epiphany), the last of the Ukrainian Christmas and New Year cycle, Catholic priest reconstructs Ukraine’s prehistoric Christmas traditions, Forty eight hours of hell near Svitlodarsk, No Ukrainian should have a Soviet-style New Year’s tree, How the Soviets stole Ukrainian Christmas, “Neo-liberalism”: the Kremlin’s new favorite strawman. Any tips? This is why the Churches who still celebrate on 25 December according to the ancient Julian calendar (such as most of the Byzantine Churches and the non-Chalcedonian churches, except the Armenians) find themselves, in the 21st century, celebrating the Nativity on 7 January of the civil Gregorian new calendar. Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on January 7. Become our patron and be part This year Ukraine recognised December 25th as an official holiday, along with the traditional Orthodox Christmas on January 7th. Some say based on astronomical position, Jesus must have been born in September. You probably wonder why do Russians Orthodox people celebrate Christmas on January 7th? Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, and Lithuanian-Polish Commonwealth were the first to adopt the calendar. Ukraine could continue living by two calendars at the same time. They vary from place to place, and in many areas have been updated or watered down to suit modern living. The Christmas dates around January 7 may vary among some churches. Christmas in Ukraine is celebrated January 7 according to the Gregorian calendar as in most of other Orthodox Christian countries. For most of America, Christmas was over nearly two weeks ago. A Christmas Greeting from Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, Russian Navy fires on and Captures Ukrainian Naval Ships Near Crimea, All Baptist Union Churches Shutdown by Authorities in Eastern Ukraine, The Town that Blew Up | Balakliia, Ukraine, http://www.food.com/recipe/ukrainian-christmas-kutya-kutia-107817, Praying for the Destruction of Your Enemies, How to Make Your Wife Submit to Your Authority -6 Tips, What the Bible Says About Kissing Might Surprise You, What Is New Life? The reason is not in the difference between the old and the new calendar. We are going to celebrate Christmas Eve tomorrow with our little family. Currently the old Julian calendar is thirteen days behind the newer Gregorian calendar, thus Christmas comes on January 7th, exactly 13 days after December 25. It takes into account the inaccuracy of the Julian calendar: the average duration of the year constitutes 365 days, 5 hours, 49 minutes, and 12 seconds. 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