Christmas · Julian-calendar communities

2026: January 7, 2026

US example · Julian-calendar Christian communities

Many Orthodox and Eastern Christians celebrate Christmas on 7 January, which is 25 December in the older Julian calendar.

Origin

Churches that kept the Julian calendar for feasts, such as the Russian, Serbian, Georgian and Ethiopian churches, mark the Nativity on what is 7 January in the Gregorian calendar.

Where & who

Russia, Serbia, Georgia, Ethiopia, Egypt (Coptic) and diaspora communities. Some Orthodox churches (e.g. Greek) use 25 December.

How people celebrate

• A long Nativity fast before the feast.
• Night liturgy on Christmas Eve (6 January).
• Family meals; in Ukraine and Russia a 12-dish meatless supper on Christmas Eve is traditional for many.

How you can take part or learn

• Visitors may attend liturgy; dress modestly and stand respectfully (many Orthodox churches have few seats).
• Learn the greeting "Christ is born! Glorify Him!"

Symbols

Icons of the Nativity, candles, the star.