Orthodox Christians Celebrate Julian Christmas

Millions of Orthodox Christians, mainly in Eastern Europe, celebrate Christmas on January 7, following the Julian calendar

By Pauline J. Chang, Christian Post Reporter

Orthodox Christians began preparing for their Christmas with fasting and prayer, Thursday, Jan 6, 2004. Millions of Orthodox Christians, mainly in Eastern Europe, celebrate Christmas on January 7, following the Julian calendar; most Christians, including Protestants and Catholics, follow the Gregorian calendar and thus places Christmas on December 25.

On Orthodox Christmas Eve, Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia sent greetings to all Orthodox believers on Thursday.

"May God send peace and joy, brotherhood and virtue, wisdom and hope to all the people," he said to the 225 million Orthodox Christians worldwide.

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Many Orthodox Christians began fasting Thursday in preparation for the day of Christ’s birth; others prayed and attended midnight services Christmas Eve.

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