Why is Orthodox Christmas on January 6th?

Orthodox Christmas day occurs every January 7 because the Orthodox Church still chooses to celebrate the birth of Jesus as per the Julian calendar. The Gregorian calendar that is currently in use today led to a new Christmas Day on December 25 due to the addition of new elements that changed the calendar year.

Why is Greek Orthodox Christmas different?

Christmas falls on a different day in the Orthodox Church because they still observe the traditional Julian calendar, which has the original dates for Christian celebrations before the Gregorian calendar was introduced. This means that, technically, Orthodox churches still observe Christmas on December 25.

How do Greek Orthodox celebrate Christmas?

On Orthodox Christmas Day it is custom to go to church, then exchange gifts at a huge feast with friends and family, eating plenty of meat and pastries and enjoying each other’s company.

Is Orthodox Christmas the same as Ukrainian Christmas?

Christmas in Ukraine can be celebrated on the 25th of December or 7th of January. This is because different Orthodox and Greek Catholic churches within Ukraine use the old ‘Julian’ or the ‘new’ Gregorian calendars for their church festivals.

Which country celebrates Christmas January 6?

Armenian Christmas is a culmination of celebrations of events related to the birth and baptism of Christ. The reason for the different date is that until the fourth century, Christ’s birth was celebrated by all Christian churches celebrated Christ’s birth on January 6th.

Do Greek Orthodox have Christmas trees?

But Orthodoxy has a very different view on Christmas trees. The Christmas tree is derived, not from the pagan yule tree, but from the paradise tree adorned with apples on December 24/January 7 in honor of Adam and Eve. Hence the Orthodox Church considers the Christmas tree completely biblical in origin.

How do you say Merry Christmas in Greek Orthodox?

The Greek word for Christmas is Christougena or Christougenna, literally meaning “Christ’s birth.” When Greeks say “Merry Christmas,” they say, “Kala Christougena.” The apparent g sound is pronounced like a y.

Do Greek Orthodox have a Christmas tree?