if so, does this encompass all the orthodox denominations – like greek / byzantine, russian, armenian, ethiopian etc.? in which country do we see christmas celebrated on a wide scale on 7th January?
do you guys have christmas lights and christmas tree and family dinners / parties too? what do you guys do?
Widescale Orthodox Christmas celebrations on 7 January can be seen in Russia, Bethlehem – the birthplace of Jesus in Palestine, Egypt as they still follow old Julian calendar
In Bethlehem especially, there will be Greek Orthodox Christmas procession at Manger Square on the eve (6 Jan). The Greek Orthodox will use most of the area in the Church of Nativity for its Christmas Vigil. Other Oriental Orthodox denominations such as Syrian, Coptics and Ethiopian will celebrate their masses in their designated points in the church.
In Russia, you will see President Medvedev attends Christmas Vigil led by Patriarch Kirill.
In Egypt, you will see Gamal Mubarak attends Coptic mass led by Pope Shenouda III.
Many other Eastern Orthodox countries like Macedonia, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Belarus also will celebrate Orthodox Christmas on 7 Jan. Oriental Orthodox countries like Ethiopia and Eritrea will also celebrate.
Check CNN and BBC, they will highlight the news of the celebration every year.
I think Armenia celebrates Christmas on 6 January.
January 27th, 2010 at 1:36 am
Widescale Orthodox Christmas celebrations on 7 January can be seen in Russia, Bethlehem – the birthplace of Jesus in Palestine, Egypt as they still follow old Julian calendar
In Bethlehem especially, there will be Greek Orthodox Christmas procession at Manger Square on the eve (6 Jan). The Greek Orthodox will use most of the area in the Church of Nativity for its Christmas Vigil. Other Oriental Orthodox denominations such as Syrian, Coptics and Ethiopian will celebrate their masses in their designated points in the church.
In Russia, you will see President Medvedev attends Christmas Vigil led by Patriarch Kirill.
In Egypt, you will see Gamal Mubarak attends Coptic mass led by Pope Shenouda III.
Many other Eastern Orthodox countries like Macedonia, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Belarus also will celebrate Orthodox Christmas on 7 Jan. Oriental Orthodox countries like Ethiopia and Eritrea will also celebrate.
Check CNN and BBC, they will highlight the news of the celebration every year.
I think Armenia celebrates Christmas on 6 January.
References :
http://www.daylife.com/search?q=Orthodox+Christmas
January 27th, 2010 at 2:17 am
Most of us celebrate on the 25th of December. Also don’t use the term denomination when differnaitnting between the Greeks and Russians for example- we see ourselves as the same church just diferent local branches. The only way you could use the word denomination IMHO would be to differntiate between the Eastern- churches that use the Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom and Oriental orthodox who don’t.
References :
January 27th, 2010 at 2:55 am
no, we celebrate christmas january 5th and 6th the 5th is like christmas eve and the 6th is christmas day, we celebrate just like the regular christmas and theres also certain foods that have to be made and eaten on christmas eve.
References :
im armenian
January 27th, 2010 at 3:14 am
Here’s a news article from today about Ethiopia, where it was celebrated in full force on Jan. 7th as in the orthodox tradition:
References :
http://www.ethioguardian.com/news.php?extend.3443