Orthodox Christmas Day 2024: Orthodox Christmas Day occurs annually on January 7. Isn’t it wonderful to commemorate another Christmas season immediately following the start of the New Year? Could it be true that the first Christmas was observed thirteen days after December 25, the current day on which we all commemorate the holiday? On January 7, according to the Julian calendar, which predated the current Gregorian calendar by a significant period, Christmas was observed. The Orthodox Church continues to observe Christmas Day according to the traditional calendar. To mark the occasion, Orthodox Christians observe various customs, including attending church and burning frankincense, in remembrance of the wise men’s presents to the infant Jesus.
Orthodox Christmas Day History
Across the globe, the Christmas season is a highly anticipated time of year. This period is significant and has unique significance for each individual. It is a period to unwind and take a break from the rigors of the preceding months, a time to reconcile with family and loved ones, a period to exchange gifts and affection, and most significantly, a period for Christians to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. The date on which Jesus was born is not expressly specified in the biblical account of his birth. Sextus Julius Africanus, a Christian historian, first proposed celebrating Christmas on December 25 in 221 AD. Initially established on the Julian calendar, the date was subsequently revised to align with the Gregorian calendar.
Orthodox Christmas Day is observed annually on January 7 by the Julian calendar, as the Orthodox Church continues to observe the birth of Jesus in that manner. Christmas Day was reestablished on December 25 under the Gregorian calendar, which is presently in effect, as a result of the incorporation of new elements that altered the calendar year. It is possible that Orthodox Christmas Day originated as the true Christmas Day.
Christmas, which is observed on January 7 or December 25, has undergone a transformation from a pagan festival to a Christian celebration to a universal occasion, irrespective of affiliations, religion, or geographical location. It is an occasion for all to rejoice and partake in customs and traditions, such as attending and organizing concerts and carols, decorating with Christmas trees and lighting, and baking exquisite Christmas cookies, among other activities.
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FAQs on Orthodox Christmas Day 2024
How should one commemorate Orthodox Christmas Day?
Additionally, you extend a joyous Christmas to your Orthodox acquaintances.
Which Bible does the Orthodox Church use?
The New King James Version is utilized.
What additional volumes does the Orthodox Bible contain?
Tobit; Judith; Wisdom of Solomon; additions to Esther; 1 Maccabees; Baruch; and Sirach.
Orthodox Christmas Activities of the Day
Orthodox Christmas services are attended.
Orthodox Christmas Day is most appropriately observed by attending their Christmas service. Join them in a physical celebration and embrace the ambiance of the season.
Follow in their abstention.
Orthodox churches observe fasting during the days preceding the Christmas holiday. As is their customary practice, one may observe fasting alongside them or abstain from meat and dairy products during that time.
Present presents to your fellow Orthodox Christians.
The essence of Christmas is demonstrating affection and concern for others. Bestowing presents upon our Orthodox Christian companions serves as an additional manifestation of our affection and regard for them, while also eliciting sentiments of joy and delight.
Five Facts of Interest Regarding the Orthodox Church
Its definition is “straight teaching” (orthodoxy).
Orthodox is a term that originates from the Greek words ‘Doxa,’ denoting “worship,” and ‘Orthos,’ signifying “straight.”
Diverse Orthodox churches exist.
The Eastern Orthodox Churches, the Oriental Orthodox Churches, the Assyrian Church of the East, and the Eastern Catholic Churches are the various Orthodox churches that exist throughout the globe.
Their names are distinct.
The names of the Orthodox churches in each country are primarily derived from their respective geographies; for instance, the Church of Antioch, the Church of Constantinople, and the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church are all geographical references.
Priests can wed.
The only time Orthodox clerics are permitted to enter into matrimony is before receiving the sacrament of priesthood.
The sacraments as Jesus administered them
The majority of their religious observances are modeled after the deeds of Jesus Himself, such as the breaking of bread, recitation of scripture, singing psalm-inspired anthems, and speaking the words of Jesus.
ORTHODOX CHRISTMAS DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | January 7 | Sunday |
| 2025 | January 7 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | January 7 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | January 7 | Thursday |
| 2028 | January 7 | Friday |
