The birth of Jesus is celebrated on January 7 by 200 million Orthodox Christians, while Christmas is celebrated on December 25 by the majority of the globe. Ever pondered why? It all boils down to the timetable.
The Gregorian calendar, which Pope Gregory XIII instituted in 1582 to correct several date errors, is used by the majority of Christian faiths. However, many Orthodox churches adhere to the Julian calendar, such as those in Serbia, Russia, and some regions of the Middle East. Because this older calendar is 13 days behind the Gregorian one, their Christmas falls on January 7, which is what the rest of the world observes.
It’s interesting to note that not all Orthodox Christians observe January 7. For instance, the Revised Julian calendar, which corresponds to December 25, is used by the Greek and Romanian Orthodox Churches. Christmas and the Feast of Theophany are celebrated on the same day in the Armenian Apostolic Church to honor Jesus’ birth and baptism.
This wide range of customs gives Christmas celebrations around the world an intriguing dimension. Church services, family dinners, and distinctive traditions abound on January 7 in locations like Russia. It’s an opportunity to consider hope, community, and faith.
So, while Christmas may feel like a distant memory for some, millions throughout the world are just getting started with their celebrations. This disparity in dates highlights Christianity’s great diversity and how history impacts how we celebrate today.
When January 7 rolls around, remember that Christmas isn’t gone yet—it’s still alive and well for millions of people who celebrate with love and tradition!
