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Orthodox religions celebrate Christmas

Mauri Rapp Abington Journal Correspondent

For many, the Christmas season is a thing of the past. However, for those following the Julian calendar, Orthodox Christmas is today, January 7. Although some refer to this day as Russian Christmas, many Eastern Orthodox religions celebrate Christmas on January 7. This is because, in accordance with the Julian calendar, December 25 occurs on the Gregorian calendar’s January 7. The Eastern Orthodox religions follow the Julian calendar because that was the calendar followed at the time Christ was reported to have been born. Worldwide, there are more than 200 million members of the Eastern Orthodox Church, with more than 24 houses of worship in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

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2008 celebration at St. John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Mayfield.

Abington Journal File Photo/Alice Stuffle

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The Very Rev. Mitred Archpriest John D. Sorochka, pastor of St. John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Mayfield, pointed out that the proper name for the holy day is the Feast of the Nativity of Christ. “We are celebrating the birth of Christ,” said Rev. Sorochka. “That is the whole purpose of the day.” For 40 days prior, members of the church observe a fast, which culminates with a strict fast on the eve of the Feast. According to Rev. Sorochka, this is a time of darkness in anticipation of the light that will be brought by the birth of Christ. Those who follow the traditions usually do not attend Christmas parties or celebrate prior to the eve of the feast.

On the eve of the Feast of the Nativity, members attend liturgical services in the morning. This is the first appearance of the icon of the Nativity. Later, families break their day of fast with a Veliye or Holy Supper, a festive Lenten meal to honor the coming of Christ. According to Pete Ewasko, president of the Ukrainian Heritage Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania, this meal traditionally begins with the appearance of the first star in the sky, and some observe the tradition of serving their animals before eating themselves to symbolize Christ’s birth in the manger. Twelve different dishes are served to symbolize the 12 apostles. A white tablecloth is spread across the table to represent Christ’s swaddling clothes and hay is placed beneath the tablecloth to represent the manger in which Christ was born. A tall candle at the center of the table represents Christ as “the light of the world,” and Lenten bread is placed next to the candle to represent the Bread of Life.

After dinner, the family sings Christmas carols and prepares to attend the evening Mass, or Great Compline with Matins service.

The Feast of Nativity, or Christmas Day, begins with a divine liturgical service, followed by festivities. Sorochka said that every family follows different traditions; however, Slavic families typically exchange gifts on St. Nicholas day, which is December 19 on the Gregorian calendar. Another question some may ask is if those who follow Eastern Orthodox religions get the best of both worlds by celebrating Christmas on December 25 as well as on January 7. Sorochka said that because families intermarry, some may celebrate on both days to honor those of different Christian religions. “Unfortunately, that respect isn’t always reciprocated,” said Sorochka, “Christmas decorations come down, carols are no longer on the radio: everyone leaves the holiday behind just as we are about to celebrate it.”

Another difference is in the greeting: rather than saying Merry Christmas, those of Russian Orthodox and other Eastern Orthodox faiths greet one another by saying “Christ is born,” to which the proper response is “Glorify him!,” a greeting that is started by the father of the family at the Holy Supper and continued throughout the feast day. Also, the festivities don’t end on Christmas Day; the second day of the feast begins a two-day celebration of the Synaxis of the Theotokos, which honors the Virgin Mary. The celebration continues throughout the 12 days of Christmas.

Above all, however, the purpose of the celebration is for members of the church to keep Christ in their hearts. “It’s a time of rejoicing,” said Sorochka, “The important issue is celebrating the birth of Christ.”