- 7 January (25 December, Julian calendar)
- After the Nativity fast
- Russia, Serbia, Ethiopia, Egypt, Ukraine and more
Where it began
Many Orthodox churches still use the older Julian calendar for church feasts. Its 25 December now falls on 7 January in the everyday calendar, so their Christmas comes later.
The feast tells the same Gospel story of the birth in Bethlehem. Before it comes a fast of about 40 days, and the evening before is often kept with a simple meatless supper.
How it grew over time
4th century
The church keeps the feast of the Nativity on 25 December.
1582
The Gregorian calendar is introduced in the West, while many Eastern churches keep the Julian calendar.
20th century
Some Orthodox churches move to a revised calendar, while others keep 7 January.
Today
Millions keep Christmas on 7 January with church services and family meals.
How it is celebrated in different places
Ethiopia
Called Genna, it brings all night church services with worshippers dressed in white.
Egypt
Coptic Christians attend a late evening liturgy, then break the fast with family.
Serbia
Families bring in an oak branch called badnjak and share a round bread with a coin inside.
Russia and Ukraine
The evening meal often includes kutia, a dish of wheat, honey and poppy seeds.
Orthodox Christmas moments
Orthodox Christmas today
On Christmas Eve families wait for the first star, share a meatless supper and go to a night service. Christmas Day brings greetings, carols and a family feast that breaks the long fast.
