Orthodox Christians Worldwide Observe Christmas Traditions

Orthodox Christians, numbering around 200 million, follow the Julian calendar, leading to a different Christmas date than most Western denominations.

As Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas around the world, communities come together in joyous worship. While the majority of Christians mark this holy day on December 25, approximately 200 million followers of the Orthodox faith observe it on January 7, adhering to the Julian calendar as opposed to the Gregorian calendar used by other Christian denominations.

In Syria’s capital, Damascus, worshippers gathered at the Armenian Apostolic Church of Mar Sarkis for Holy Communion, marking the first Christmas celebrated since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s long-standing regime. In Egypt, the festive atmosphere was palpable as a priest from the Coptic Orthodox Church walked among congregants at the Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church in Cairo, representing the region's largest Christian community.

Meanwhile, in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, a young worshipper lit a candle during the celebration of Orthodox Christmas Eve, indicative of the spiritual and cultural significance of the day. In Bethlehem, revered as Jesus’ birthplace, believers and spiritual leaders convened at the Church of the Nativity to honor the occasion, a poignant moment for many.

Beyond the Middle East, Ethiopian Christians sang hymns and held candles at Addis Ababa’s Bole Medhanialem Church, showcasing their rich tradition. In Moscow, millions embraced the holiday spirit, with President Vladimir Putin attending services at St George’s Church, amidst streets adorned with festive decorations.

The celebrations continued in Belgrade, Serbia, where Prince Philip participated in a traditional ceremony involving a burning oak branch, known as badnjak. In Armenia’s capital, Yerevan, faithful gathered at St Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral, while Georgian Christians illuminated their own celebrations in Tbilisi with candles, resonating the warmth of community and faith during this sacred time.