Why Does the Greek Orthodox Church Celebrate Christmas on January 7th?
Discover why the Greek Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas on January 7 due to the Julian calendar difference with the Gregorian calendar.
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The Greek Orthodox Church doesn't celebrate Christmas in January; rather, it often observes it on January 7th due to the use of the Julian calendar, which runs 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar used in many parts of the world. The discrepancy between the calendars is why the same holiday is celebrated on different dates. This traditional adherence showcases the significance of historical calendars and religious traditions in determining the observation of major Christian festivities.
FAQs & Answers
- Why is Orthodox Christmas celebrated on January 7th? Orthodox Christmas is celebrated on January 7th because the Greek Orthodox Church uses the Julian calendar, which is 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar, placing Christmas on January 7 according to the latter.
- What is the difference between the Julian and Gregorian calendars? The Julian calendar, introduced in 45 BC, runs slower by about 13 days compared to the Gregorian calendar, which is the internationally accepted civil calendar introduced in 1582.
- Do all Orthodox Churches celebrate Christmas on January 7th? Not all; some Orthodox Churches have adopted the Revised Julian calendar and celebrate Christmas on December 25th, while others, like the Greek Orthodox Church, celebrate on January 7th.