Orthodox Christmas in Russia

About Orthodox Christmas in Russia

In Russia, Orthodox Christmas is observed nationwide and follows the Julian-calendar date used by the Russian Orthodox Church. It falls after New Year celebrations and the long winter holiday period, so for many people it marks the religious close of that season rather than a separate civic festival. The day is most significant for Orthodox Christians, while others may simply treat it as a day off or a family visit day.

History

Russia has followed the Orthodox Church’s calendar for this feast, which places Christmas on 7 January in the Gregorian calendar. In the modern era, the date is treated as a public holiday across the country.

Traditions

Common Orthodox customs in Russia include attending the Christmas service, praying, and sharing a family meal after the church observance. In many homes the meal is modest after the fast that precedes Christmas, and traditional Christmas greetings are used among Orthodox Christians.

How Orthodox Christmas is celebrated in Russia

In contemporary Russia, the day is usually quieter than New Year’s celebrations. Many Orthodox believers attend liturgy, while others spend the holiday at home with family or make a visit to relatives. Because it comes during the winter school holiday period, it often sits alongside other days off at the start of January.

Interesting facts

The holiday falls 13 days after 25 December on the Gregorian calendar because the Russian Orthodox Church follows the Julian calendar for this feast. It is one of the January public holidays that comes during Russia’s extended New Year break.

Dates in published calendars

Import sources

• Generic ICS feed

An import is not an independent verification.

More public holidays in Russia

• New Year's Day
• New Year's Holiday - bridge day
• Orthodox Christmas Holiday
• Defence of the Fatherland Day
• International Women's Day
• International Women's Day - in lieu