Why the Orthodox Church Continues to Use the Julian Calendar

Discover the reasons the Orthodox Church has not adopted the Gregorian calendar, rooted in tradition and autonomy.

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The Orthodox Church didn’t adopt the Gregorian calendar primarily due to religious and practical reasons. The Julian calendar, which they still use, aligns more closely with their liturgical traditions and schedules of religious feasts. Additionally, the Gregorian calendar, introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582, was viewed with suspicion and avoided because it was seen as a Catholic initiative, potentially undermining Orthodox autonomy.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What calendar does the Orthodox Church use? The Orthodox Church primarily uses the Julian calendar for its liturgical calendar.
  2. Why was the Gregorian calendar rejected by some religions? The Gregorian calendar was viewed as a Catholic initiative, leading some religious groups to reject it in favor of their traditional calendars.
  3. When was the Gregorian calendar introduced? The Gregorian calendar was introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582.
  4. What are the key differences between the Julian and Gregorian calendars? The Julian calendar has a different leap year system, resulting in a drift of several days compared to the Gregorian calendar.

Watch More

For more insights on religious practices and historical calendars, check out our videos on the significance of the Julian calendar and the impact of the Gregorian reform.

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