Orthodox Christmas Day (January 7), History, Activities and How to Celebrate

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What is Orthodox Christmas Day. History of Orthodox Christmas Day and Activities and why we love and celebrate Orthodox Christmas Day.

Orthodox Christmas

Orthodox Christmas Day is a Christian holiday that is celebrated by Orthodox Christians on January 7th to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. This date is based on the Julian calendar, which is used by many Orthodox churches and is 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar that is used by most Western countries. Orthodox Christmas Day is a public holiday in countries such as Russia, Serbia, and Ukraine, and it is marked by special church services, the exchange of gifts, and the sharing of traditional holiday meals with family and friends.

HISTORY OF ORTHODOX CHRISTMAS DAY

Orthodox Christmas Day has its roots in the early Christian church, and it has been celebrated for over 2000 years. According to the Christian Bible, Jesus was born to the Virgin Mary in Bethlehem, and his birth was marked by a series of miraculous events, including the appearance of a bright star in the sky and the visit of three wise men, or magi, who brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

The celebration of Christmas as a holiday honoring the birth of Jesus spread throughout the Christian world, and it was eventually adopted by the Orthodox Church. In the Orthodox tradition, Christmas Day is considered to be one of the most important holidays of the year, and it is marked by special church services, the exchange of gifts, and the sharing of traditional holiday meals with family and friends.

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In many Orthodox countries, the celebration of Christmas also includes a number of traditional customs and practices, such as the lighting of special candles, the singing of carols, and the decorating of homes and churches with Christmas trees and other festive decorations.

ORTHODOX CHRISTMAS DAY ACTIVITIES

There are a variety of activities that are associated with Orthodox Christmas Day, including:

Attending church services: Orthodox Christians typically attend special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services at their local church, which may include prayers, hymns, and the reading of religious texts.

Exchanging gifts: It is traditional for Orthodox Christians to exchange gifts with family and friends on Christmas Day, often following the example of the three wise men who brought gifts to the baby Jesus.

Sharing a holiday meal: Orthodox Christmas Day is often marked by the sharing of a special holiday meal with family and friends, which may include traditional dishes such as roast meat, fish, and various desserts.

Singing carols: Many Orthodox Christians enjoy singing Christmas carols, both in church and in their homes, during the holiday season.

Decorating homes and churches: It is common for Orthodox Christians to decorate their homes and churches with Christmas trees, lights, and other festive decorations during the holiday season.

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Participating in cultural traditions: In some Orthodox countries, there are a variety of cultural traditions and practices that are associated with Christmas, such as the lighting of special candles, the telling of Christmas stories, and the performance of plays and other festive entertainment.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE ORTHODOX CHURCH

Here are a few interesting facts about the Orthodox Church:

The Orthodox Church is one of the oldest Christian denominations in the world, with a history that dates back over 2000 years.

The Orthodox Church is the second largest Christian denomination in the world, after the Roman Catholic Church.

The Orthodox Church is divided into several independent churches, each with its own patriarch or leader. The largest of these churches is the Greek Orthodox Church, followed by the Russian Orthodox Church.

The Orthodox Church has a rich tradition of liturgical music and iconography, and its churches are often adorned with elaborate paintings and mosaics.

The Orthodox Church follows the Julian calendar, which is 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar used by most Western countries. This means that Orthodox Christians celebrate major holidays such as Christmas and Easter on different dates than those observed by other Christians.

The Orthodox Church emphasizes the importance of sacraments, such as baptism and communion, in the life of a Christian.

The Orthodox Church has a strong monastic tradition, with many followers living in monasteries and dedicating their lives to prayer and spiritual contemplation.

The Orthodox Church has a strong presence in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Africa and Asia. It is also growing in popularity in the United States and other Western countries.

WHY WE LOVE ORTHODOX CHRISTMAS DAY

There are many reasons why people might love Orthodox Christmas Day. Some people may love the holiday because it allows them to spend time with family and friends, exchange gifts, and participate in special traditions and activities. Others may enjoy the spiritual aspect of the holiday, and may find the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day church services to be particularly meaningful. Some people may simply enjoy the festive atmosphere and the sense of joy and celebration that surrounds Orthodox Christmas Day. Ultimately, the reasons for loving Orthodox Christmas Day will vary from person to person.

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