Orthodox Churches Celebrate Christmas on Different Dates

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Millions of people celebrated Orthodox Christmas on a special day. This was nearly two weeks after most of the world marked Christmas.

Some Eastern Orthodox churches follow the ancient Julian calendar. This calendar runs 13 days later than the Gregorian calendar.

Most Orthodox Christians agree December 25th is the Christmas date. The question is if December 25th falls on December 25th or January 7th.

The old Roman Empire church used the Julian calendar for many years. Pope Gregory XIII made a new, more correct calendar in the 16th century.

The Russian Orthodox Church still uses the old calendar for Christmas. So, they celebrate Christmas on January 7th, not December 25th.

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When do most people celebrate Christmas?

Most people celebrate Christmas on December 25th.

What calendar do some Eastern Orthodox churches use?

Some Eastern Orthodox churches use the Julian calendar.

When does the Russian Orthodox Church celebrate Christmas?

The Russian Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas on January 7th.

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