In my former parish we had a pastor who initiated this tradition in our church. It is very simple and quaint. I was not aware that the Russian Orthodox Christmas was different from our Western one. I understand Easter since it is a transferable feast but how so Christmas?
All Orthodox and the Copts celebrate Easter on the same date. When East and West celebrate Easter separately it's due to the Western days falling before Passover.
How interesting. I had no idea. The Russian and Serbian Orthodox Church still lives in a medieval world. So, are they celebrating Christmas 2019? One year ahead of us.
Haha - no - it's still 2018 Christmas. The Gregorian calendar was adopted in the 16th century in most places, later in England. I always remember the date 1582 because it was the year Teresa of Avila died. She really died on the feast of St. Francis, but since the calendar changed that year it was moved to the 15 of October.
I always learn something from reading your blog. I leave my decorations up til "Little Christmas" every year. I have extended one more day in horror of Orthodox Christmas. Who said the Russians never gave us anything good?
Please comment with charity and avoid ad hominem attacks. I exercise the right to delete comments I find inappropriate. If you use your real name there is a better chance your comment will stay put.
https://onepeterfive.com/the-chalking-of-the-doors-an-epiphany-tradition-explained/
ReplyDeleteIn my former parish we had a pastor who initiated this tradition in our church. It is very simple and quaint. I was not aware that the Russian Orthodox Christmas was different from our Western one. I understand Easter since it is a transferable feast but how so Christmas?
ReplyDeleteJulian calendar.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteBut they gave that up in the last century. Dodn’t They?
ReplyDeleteNot liturgically.
DeleteIn the US only the Russian Orthodox Church outside of Russia and the Serbian Orthodox Church use the Julian Calendar Christmas.
DeleteOrthodox Easter is calculated slightly differently, first Sunday after the first full moon after Passover. In the West, Passover isn't a factor.
All Orthodox and the Copts celebrate Easter on the same date. When East and West celebrate Easter separately it's due to the Western days falling before Passover.
DeleteHow interesting. I had no idea. The Russian and Serbian Orthodox Church still lives in a medieval world. So, are they celebrating Christmas 2019? One year ahead of us.
ReplyDeleteHaha - no - it's still 2018 Christmas. The Gregorian calendar was adopted in the 16th century in most places, later in England. I always remember the date 1582 because it was the year Teresa of Avila died. She really died on the feast of St. Francis, but since the calendar changed that year it was moved to the 15 of October.
DeleteI always learn something from reading your blog. I leave my decorations up til "Little Christmas" every year. I have extended one more day in horror of Orthodox Christmas. Who said the Russians never gave us anything good?
ReplyDelete