Is Ukrainian Christmas Celebrated on January 6 or January 7?

Discover why Ukrainian Christmas is mainly celebrated on January 7 and the role of the Julian calendar in this tradition.

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Ukrainian Christmas is primarily observed on January 7. This is due to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church following the Julian calendar for its liturgical schedule, which runs 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar used by many Western countries. However, there is a small number of Ukrainian Catholics who celebrate on January 6, along with the Feast of the Epiphany according to the Gregorian calendar. Therefore, the main celebration for most Ukrainians is on the 7th of January.

FAQs & Answers

  1. Why do Ukrainians celebrate Christmas on January 7? Most Ukrainians follow the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which uses the Julian calendar. This calendar is 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar, making their Christmas fall on January 7.
  2. Do all Ukrainians celebrate Christmas on January 7? No, while most celebrate on January 7, a minority of Ukrainian Catholics observe Christmas on January 6 along with the Feast of the Epiphany according to the Gregorian calendar.
  3. What is the difference between the Julian and Gregorian calendars? The Julian calendar is an older calendar system that is currently 13 days behind the more commonly used Gregorian calendar, affecting the dates of religious holidays in some traditions.

Watch More

For a deeper understanding of Eastern European holiday traditions, explore related videos on Orthodox Christmas customs and the differences between Julian and Gregorian calendars.

  1. Why Is Ukrainian Christmas Celebrated on January 7? Discover why Ukrainian Christmas falls on January 7, following the Julian calendar and Eastern Orthodox traditions.
  2. Is Orthodox Christmas Celebrated on January 6 or January 7? Learn why most Orthodox churches celebrate Christmas on January 7 and the significance of January 6 in related traditions.
  3. Do Ukrainians Use the Julian Calendar for Religious Holidays? Learn why some Ukrainians, especially in religious communities, follow the Julian calendar for holidays like Christmas on January 7th.
  4. Why Is Serbian Christmas Celebrated on January 7 Instead of December 25? Discover why Serbian Christmas is celebrated on January 7 due to the Serbian Orthodox Church following the Julian calendar.
  5. Which Countries Celebrate Christmas in January and Why? Discover why countries like Russia and Ethiopia celebrate Christmas on January 7th due to the Julian calendar and Orthodox traditions.