Why do greek orthodox celebrate christmas on december 25

Many Orthodox Christians in the United States celebrate Christmas Day on or near January 7 in the Gregorian calendar. This date works to be December 25 in the Julian calendar, which pre-dates the Gregorian calendar.

Orthodox christmas 2025

It is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, who is believed to be the son of God.

Is Orthodox Christmas Day a Public Holiday?

Orthodox Christmas Day is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours.

What Do People Do?

Many Orthodox Christians in countries such as the United States fast before Christmas Day.

Many people identify the Nativity Fast as the period of preparing to celebrate Jesus Christ’s birth. It is believed that fasting helps people shift their focus from themselves to others, spending less time worrying about food and using more time in increased prayer and caring for the poor.

In return, fasting before the Nativity enables one to fully enjoy, appreciate and celebrate the Nativity of Christ.

Many Orthodox Christians attend a special church liturgy on Christmas Day on January 7. Orthodox churches celebrate Christmas Day with

when is eastern orthodox christmas celebrated

when is eastern orthodox christmas 2023