Orthodox Christmas 2024: More than 200 million Christians associated with Orthodox churches celebrated Christmas on January 7 instead of December 25, as they follow the Julian calendar instead of the Gregorian calendar followed by other Christian denominations.

Orthodox Christmas 2024: More than 200 million Christians associated with Orthodox churches celebrated Christmas on January 7 instead of December 25, as they follow the Julian calendar instead of the Gregorian calendar followed by other Christian denominations. Orthodox Christians from Cairo to Moscow celebrated the occasion by organising various events and ceremonies. The majority of Orthodox Christians live in Eastern Europe. While those living in Ukraine celebrated Christmas on December 25, others living in areas like Russia-controlled Donetsk celebrated it on January 7. Russian President Vladimir Putin also attended the Orthodox Christmas service at a church in Moscow. In Georgia's capital city, Tbilisi, those celebrating participated in an annual Orthodox Christmas procession called Alilo. Meanwhile, in Belgrade, Serbians gathered to eat the traditional Christmas bread. Furthermore, Orthodox Christians in Ethiopia, Egypt, and Macedonia celebrated the festival with several events. ALSO READ | Boeing’s mid-air door blow out: No design flaws suspected ‘this time’, claim investigators Why do Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on January 7 Some Eastern Orthodox churches follow the ancient Julian calendar, which runs 13 days later than the Gregorian calendar used by Catholic and Protestant churches. Although the Eastern Orthodox churches agree that December 25 is the date of Christmas or "Feast of the Nativity", they question whether December 25 falls on December 25 or January 7. However, the Julian calendar has increasingly misaligned with the solar year. Until 1923, all Eastern Orthodox churches followed the old calendar. But then, an inter-Orthodox gathering adopted a revised Julian calendar similar to the Gregorian. A few Orthodox churches, including those following Greek tradition and some in Ukraine, have started celebrating Christmas on the same date as Western churches. But many, like the Russian Orthodox Church, the largest communion in Eastern Orthodoxy, Serbian and Georgian churches, have stuck to the old calendar, observing Christmas on January 7. The traditions of Orthodox Christmas vary from place to place. But it usually involves a grand worship service a night before Christmas, featuring a midnight liturgy. Many observe fasting and culminate in a festive meal on January 6 called the Holy Supper. Orthodox Christians based in Western countries like the United States follow different dates. Orthodox, Greek and Antiochian churches in the US celebrated Christmas on December 25. However, some churches in the Slavic tradition, Serbian churches and other small Russian churches observe Christmas on January 7. (With inputs from agencies)

Orthodox Christians around the world celebrated Christmas on January 7. Here's why

During an address on the eve of Orthodox Christmas, on Saturday (Jan 6) Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to support soldiers "fighting to defend Moscow’s interests". Meanwhile, wives of Russians mobilised to fight in Ukraine symbolically laid flowers at the flame of an unknown soldier near the Kremlin and demanded the return of their husbands from the front.

<h2>Putin’s change in tone</h2>

“Many of our men, our courageous, heroic guys, Russian warriors, even now, on this holiday, defend the interests of our country with arms in hand,” said the Russian president at a late Saturday meeting with families of Russian soldiers who have died in Ukraine.&nbsp;

He also said that he has ordered his government to ramp up support for those who fight and call on his people to be merciful and just.&nbsp;

It has also been reported that Putin, who is facing elections in March, has been softening his speeches to focus on traditional Russian values and unity.&nbsp;

“I would like our meeting to be a clear, understandable signal to all my colleagues throughout the Russian Federation, and at all levels – a clear signal to ensure that my colleagues are always and everywhere with you, I repeat, any level of power,” he told the families gathered at a chapel at his residence in Novo-Ogaryovo outside Moscow.

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In a separate greeting for the occasion issued on the Kremlin’s website, Putin&nbsp;called on his citizens to follow the “unshakable” values of “goodness, mercy and justice” and on the Russian Orthodox Church to help strengthen “the institution of families” and patriotism.&nbsp;

Notably, this year Putin did not call for a ceasefire in Ukraine to coincide with the holiday – like he did last year – which many Orthodox Christians celebrate on January 6-7.&nbsp;

Orthodox Christmas services were also held in parts of Ukraine occupied by Russian, unlike the rest of the war-torn country.&nbsp;

Kyiv <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainians-to-officially-celebrate-christmas-on-december-25-for-the-first-time-in-snub-to-russia-673201">celebrated its Christmas</a> on December 25 after President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a law last July to change the date of the Christmas holiday from January 7 partly to “renounce Russian heritage”.&nbsp;

<h2>Protest near Kremlin</h2>

Amid growing anger among relatives of reservists whom Putin mobilised in September 2022, months after Russia began invading Ukraine, some 15 women, according to AFP, braved the winter cold to place red flowers at the site in the heart of the capital which is also right beneath the walls of the Kremlin.&nbsp;

“We want to draw the authorities’ attention and that of the public to our appeal. We have tried several means. We made a written appeal to lawmakers, officials, administrations – but we were not heard,” Maria, a 47-year-old sales manager, whose husband was mobilised in November 2022, told the news agency.&nbsp;

She added, “It’s not fair. They are civilians, they are not soldiers. Our husbands can’t stay there.”

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While protests and criticism, particularly about what Russia calls its “special military operation” in Ukraine are dealt with swiftly in Moscow, mobilisation is said to be a sensitive subject for authorities, who have so far refrained from repressing what has become a nascent movement of revolt.

Maria Semyonova, a legal assistant, urged authorities to “negotiate peace” in Ukraine at a protest where police, according to AFP, did not intervene.&nbsp;

The protest is “the only peaceful action that has not yet been banned by law,” Paulina, the mother of a one-year-old child, told the news agency.&nbsp;

She added, “I feel like we’re annoying them. But no one will remain silent. We shall carry on every day, every Saturday.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

During an address on the eve of Orthodox Christmas, on Saturday (Jan 6) Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to support soldiers "fighting to defend Moscow’s interests".

During an address on the eve of Orthodox Christmas, on Saturday (Jan 6) Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to support soldiers "fighting to defend Moscow’s interests". Meanwhile, wives of Russians mobilised to fight in Ukraine symbolically laid flowers at the flame of an unknown soldier near the Kremlin and demanded the return of their husbands from the front. Putin’s change in tone “Many of our men, our courageous, heroic guys, Russian warriors, even now, on this holiday, defend the interests of our country with arms in hand,” said the Russian president at a late Saturday meeting with families of Russian soldiers who have died in Ukraine. He also said that he has ordered his government to ramp up support for those who fight and call on his people to be merciful and just. It has also been reported that Putin, who is facing elections in March, has been softening his speeches to focus on traditional Russian values and unity. “I would like our meeting to be a clear, understandable signal to all my colleagues throughout the Russian Federation, and at all levels – a clear signal to ensure that my colleagues are always and everywhere with you, I repeat, any level of power,” he told the families gathered at a chapel at his residence in Novo-Ogaryovo outside Moscow. ALSO READ | Prez Biden kept in dark about Austin’s hospitalisation, US defence secretary pledges transparency In a separate greeting for the occasion issued on the Kremlin’s website, Putin called on his citizens to follow the “unshakable” values of “goodness, mercy and justice” and on the Russian Orthodox Church to help strengthen “the institution of families” and patriotism. Notably, this year Putin did not call for a ceasefire in Ukraine to coincide with the holiday – like he did last year – which many Orthodox Christians celebrate on January 6-7. Orthodox Christmas services were also held in parts of Ukraine occupied by Russian, unlike the rest of the war-torn country. Kyiv celebrated its Christmas on December 25 after President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a law last July to change the date of the Christmas holiday from January 7 partly to “renounce Russian heritage”. Protest near Kremlin Amid growing anger among relatives of reservists whom Putin mobilised in September 2022, months after Russia began invading Ukraine, some 15 women, according to AFP, braved the winter cold to place red flowers at the site in the heart of the capital which is also right beneath the walls of the Kremlin. “We want to draw the authorities’ attention and that of the public to our appeal. We have tried several means. We made a written appeal to lawmakers, officials, administrations – but we were not heard,” Maria, a 47-year-old sales manager, whose husband was mobilised in November 2022, told the news agency. She added, “It’s not fair. They are civilians, they are not soldiers. Our husbands can’t stay there.” ALSO READ | Ukraine war: At least 11, including 5 children, killed in Russian strikes in Pokrovsk While protests and criticism, particularly about what Russia calls its “special military operation” in Ukraine are dealt with swiftly in Moscow, mobilisation is said to be a sensitive subject for authorities, who have so far refrained from repressing what has become a nascent movement of revolt. Maria Semyonova, a legal assistant, urged authorities to “negotiate peace” in Ukraine at a protest where police, according to AFP, did not intervene. The protest is “the only peaceful action that has not yet been banned by law,” Paulina, the mother of a one-year-old child, told the news agency. She added, “I feel like we’re annoying them. But no one will remain silent. We shall carry on every day, every Saturday.” (With inputs from agencies)

Putin vows to support soldiers fighting in Ukraine while wives mobilise protest near Kremlin

Russia has ended a self-declared ceasefire that it has declared on account of the Orthodox Christmas and vowed to push horns with combat until it emerges victorious.

Ukraine War: Russia ends self-declared Orthodox Christmas ceasefire

The leader of the church that supports Kiev gave a Christmas sermon for the first time at the nation's most important monastery during the ongoing tug-of-war for the Orthodox faithful in Ukraine. The Mass on Saturday was a very symbolic event that revealed the severe rift with the distinct Moscow-led church that has previously held services at the sacred place.

Orthodox Christmas Celebration: Russia-Ukraine celebrate orthodox Christmas

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Crimean city Sevastopol's Russian-installed governor Mikhail Razvozhaev on Saturday claimed that a drone was shot down by the air defences, referring to the latest attack launched by Ukrainian forces on a port where the Black Sea Fleet of Russia is based.&nbsp;

The claims were made as Russian President Vladimir Putin marked Orthodox Christmas at a church in Moscow after declaring a unilateral ceasefire.

Governor Razvozhaev made the claims on the Telegram messaging service as he alleged that the drone&nbsp;was&nbsp;shot down in the wee hours of January 7, the day of Orthodox Christmas.

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"Even the sacred holiday of Christmas was not a reason for these inhuman people to halt their attempts to attack our Hero City," said Razvozhaev.&nbsp;

In 2014, Crimea was annexed by Russia and Ukraine says it will take back the Black Sea peninsula and other parts of eastern Ukraine which the Russian forces have invaded since February 24, 2022.

Putin attends midnight service to mark Orthodox Christmas&nbsp;

Russian President Putin was seen standing alone,&nbsp;attending a midnight service held at a church in the Kremlin to mark Orthodox Christmas, which is shadowed by Russia's invasion of war-ravaged Ukraine.&nbsp;

The service held at the Cathedral of the Annunciation, which was designed originally as a church for only the Russian tsars, was attended by Putin.&nbsp;

WATCH| WION Wideangle | Russia-Ukraine War: Ten months, ten key events

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Putin stood as the ceremony was conducted by Orthodox priests, wearing golden robes, who held long candles, as per the photographs released by the Kremlin.&nbsp;

In the message released on Saturday by the Kremlin, the Russian president extended his wishes to Orthodox Christians, stating that the holiday gave inspiration for "good deeds and aspirations".&nbsp;

He also appreciated the Orthodox Church because of which the Russian government received the full support of head Patriarch Kirill in the offensive against Ukraine.

Church organisations are "supporting our soldiers taking part in a special military operation," said Putin.

"Such great, multifaceted, truly ascetic work deserves the most sincere respect," the president added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Crimean city Sevastopol's Russian-installed governor Mikhail Razvozhaev on Saturday claimed that a drone was shot down by the air defences, referring to the latest attack launched by Ukrainian forces on a port where the Black Sea Fleet of Russia is based. The claims were made as Russian President Vladimir Putin marked Orthodox Christmas at a church in Moscow after declaring a unilateral ceasefire. Governor Razvozhaev made the claims on the Telegram messaging service as he alleged that the drone was shot down in the wee hours of January 7, the day of Orthodox Christmas. ALSO READ| Russia-Ukraine war: Putin offers Orthodox Christmas truce, Ukraine rejects it as 'hypocrisy' "Even the sacred holiday of Christmas was not a reason for these inhuman people to halt their attempts to attack our Hero City," said Razvozhaev. In 2014, Crimea was annexed by Russia and Ukraine says it will take back the Black Sea peninsula and other parts of eastern Ukraine which the Russian forces have invaded since February 24, 2022. Putin attends midnight service to mark Orthodox Christmas Russian President Putin was seen standing alone, attending a midnight service held at a church in the Kremlin to mark Orthodox Christmas, which is shadowed by Russia's invasion of war-ravaged Ukraine. The service held at the Cathedral of the Annunciation, which was designed originally as a church for only the Russian tsars, was attended by Putin. WATCH| WION Wideangle | Russia-Ukraine War: Ten months, ten key events Putin stood as the ceremony was conducted by Orthodox priests, wearing golden robes, who held long candles, as per the photographs released by the Kremlin. In the message released on Saturday by the Kremlin, the Russian president extended his wishes to Orthodox Christians, stating that the holiday gave inspiration for "good deeds and aspirations". He also appreciated the Orthodox Church because of which the Russian government received the full support of head Patriarch Kirill in the offensive against Ukraine. Church organisations are "supporting our soldiers taking part in a special military operation," said Putin. "Such great, multifaceted, truly ascetic work deserves the most sincere respect," the president added. (With inputs from agencies)

Crimean governor claims Ukraine drone shot over Sevastopol as Putin marks Orthodox Christmas

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a ceasefire in Ukraine on January 6 to 7, the news agency AFP reported citing Kremlin, but Ukraine has called the declaration a "hypocrisy". The report mentioned that the decision comes on the eve of Orthodox Christmas following a request from Russia's spiritual leader Patriarch Kirill. Notably, Russia's Orthodox Church observes Christmas on January 7. But owing to the ongoing war, many Ukrainians this year celebrated Christmas on December 25—similar to the West—and Ukraine's main Orthodox Church rejected the authority of the Moscow patriarch. The Kremlin said in a statement: "Taking into account the appeal of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill, I (Putin) instruct the defence minister of the Russian Federation to introduce from 12:00 (0900 GMT) on January 6, 2023 until 24:00 (2100 GMT) on January 7, 2023 a ceasefire along the entire line of contact between the sides in Ukraine." In the order, Putin said that "proceeding from the fact that a large number of citizens professing Orthodoxy live in the areas of hostilities, we call on the Ukrainian side to declare a ceasefire and allow them to attend services on Christmas Eve, as well as on Christmas Day." While responding to the temporary ceasefire, Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said that Russia "must leave the occupied territories -- only then will it have a 'temporary truce'. On his official Twitter account, Podolyak said to keep "hypocrisy to yourself." First. Ukraine doesn't attack foreign territory & doesn't kill civilians. As RF does. Ukraine destroys only members of the occupation army on its territory... Second. RF must leave the occupied territories - only then will it have a "temporary truce". Keep hypocrisy to yourself. — Михайло Подоляк (@Podolyak_M) January 5, 2023 × WATCH | Why is Russia sending more Arctic oil to India & China? × Earlier in the day, Putin and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke to Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan in separate phone calls. As the world expects the war to end, both leaders made it clear that there would be no peace talks between them any time soon. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia-Ukraine war: Putin offers Orthodox Christmas truce, Ukraine rejects it as 'hypocrisy'

Drone view on Wednesday (January 6) showed Bethlehem, known as the birthplace of Jesus, waking up to a near-deserted Manger Square at dawn on Orthodox Christmas Eve.

Drone over Nativity Church on Orthodox Christmas

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