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

Ukraine's economy shrank by an estimated 30% in the first three quarters of 2022 compared with the same period in 2021, largely due to Russia's invasion, the economy ministry said on Saturday.

Bad weather in September that slowed the pace of harvesting also played a role, as did interruptions in power supply from the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the ministry said in a statement. Ukraine and Russia accuse each other of shelling the facility.

Exports in September jumped by 23% from August to their highest level since the war started in February, helped by an internationally brokered deal allowing the shipment of grain from the Black Sea ports.

"The situation at the front improved in September, but the enemy continued shelling Ukrainian territory, which put pressure on business sentiments and logistics," the ministry said.

"Further destruction of production facilities, infrastructure and residential buildings,&nbsp;as well as uncertainty over how long the war would last, were hindering development and postponing the recovery," it said.

In July, Ukraine's central bank said the economy could shrink by a third in 2022 and was expected to grow between 5% and 6% in 2023 and 2024.

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Ukraine's economy shrank by an estimated 30% in the first three quarters of 2022 compared with the same period in 2021, largely due to Russia's invasion, the economy ministry said on Saturday.

Ukraine's economy shrank by an estimated 30% in the first three quarters of 2022 compared with the same period in 2021, largely due to Russia's invasion, the economy ministry said on Saturday. Bad weather in September that slowed the pace of harvesting also played a role, as did interruptions in power supply from the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the ministry said in a statement. Ukraine and Russia accuse each other of shelling the facility. Exports in September jumped by 23% from August to their highest level since the war started in February, helped by an internationally brokered deal allowing the shipment of grain from the Black Sea ports. "The situation at the front improved in September, but the enemy continued shelling Ukrainian territory, which put pressure on business sentiments and logistics," the ministry said. "Further destruction of production facilities, infrastructure and residential buildings, as well as uncertainty over how long the war would last, were hindering development and postponing the recovery," it said. In July, Ukraine's central bank said the economy could shrink by a third in 2022 and was expected to grow between 5% and 6% in 2023 and 2024. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Ukraine's economy shrank by 30% in the first three quarters of 2022

As the war with Russia enters its next phase, with Russian forces continuing their large-scale operation to take control of Ukraine's east, US President Biden stated Thursday that the US will deliver another round of security assistance to Ukraine for around $800 million.

According to the president, the equipment will "further boost Ukraine's ability to combat in the east in the Donbas region."

The package comprises 72 155mm howitzers, 144,000 artillery rounds, 72 tactical vehicles to tow the howitzers, and 121 unmanned aerial vehicle systems, or "Phoenix Ghost" drones, according to the Defense Department.&nbsp;

"We won't always be able to advertise everything that our partners are doing to support Ukraine in its fight for freedom, but to modernise Teddy Roosevelt's famous advice, sometimes we will speak softly and carry a large Javelin, because we're sending a lot of those in as well," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-seeks-india-drug-imports-as-pharmacies-run-short-of-medicines-amid-ukraine-war-sanctions-472245">Russia seeks India drug imports as pharmacies run short of medicines amid Ukraine war, sanctions</a>

When lawmakers return to Washington next week, the US president said he would ask Congress to enact a supplemental bill to provide more funds for Ukraine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-russias-donbas-offensive-us-sends-warplanes-to-ukraine-472278">Amid Russia's Donbas offensive, US sends warplanes to Ukraine</a>

He also proposed a new humanitarian parole programme for Ukrainians with ties to the United States, which would allow them to enter the country via a "expedient conduit" rather than the southern border.

Since the United States demands visas for admission, tens of thousands of Ukrainians have flown to Mexico to claim refuge at the border.

As the war with Russia enters its next phase, with Russian forces continuing their large-scale operation to take control of Ukraine's east, US President Biden stated Thursday that the US will deliver another round of security assistance to Ukraine for around $800 million.

As the war with Russia enters its next phase, with Russian forces continuing their large-scale operation to take control of Ukraine's east, US President Biden stated Thursday that the US will deliver another round of security assistance to Ukraine for around $800 million. According to the president, the equipment will "further boost Ukraine's ability to combat in the east in the Donbas region." The package comprises 72 155mm howitzers, 144,000 artillery rounds, 72 tactical vehicles to tow the howitzers, and 121 unmanned aerial vehicle systems, or "Phoenix Ghost" drones, according to the Defense Department. "We won't always be able to advertise everything that our partners are doing to support Ukraine in its fight for freedom, but to modernise Teddy Roosevelt's famous advice, sometimes we will speak softly and carry a large Javelin, because we're sending a lot of those in as well," he said. Also read | Russia seeks India drug imports as pharmacies run short of medicines amid Ukraine war, sanctions When lawmakers return to Washington next week, the US president said he would ask Congress to enact a supplemental bill to provide more funds for Ukraine. Also read | Amid Russia's Donbas offensive, US sends warplanes to Ukraine He also proposed a new humanitarian parole programme for Ukrainians with ties to the United States, which would allow them to enter the country via a "expedient conduit" rather than the southern border. Since the United States demands visas for admission, tens of thousands of Ukrainians have flown to Mexico to claim refuge at the border.

Russian-Ukraine war: Biden announces additional $800 million military aid to Kyiv