Orthodox Christmas

Orthodox Christmas History

Orthodox Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It’s observed as per the Julian calendar, unlike the Gregorian calendar which is widely used for other Christian denominations. The spiritual significance of the observance is profound, focusing on the humility and love embodied in the nativity of Christ. This holiday is considered one of the most important in the Orthodox Christian calendar, marked by sacred rites, holy liturgies, and family gatherings.

The tradition of observing Orthodox Christmas was carried over to Canada by immigrants from Eastern European countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Serbia, and Greece amongst others. It continues to thrive in diverse multicultural Canadian society today. Canada being a mosaic of cultures and religions, Orthodox Christmas is respected and acknowledged in the larger Canadian community. Churches, community centres, and households actively participate in the celebrations, marking it as an integral part of Canada’s cultural landscape.

In terms of specifics, Orthodox Christmas is observed in Canada on January 7th aligning with the Julian calendar. The festivities typically kick off with Christmas Eve Mass and often include the traditional Holy Supper that consists of twelve meatless dishes symbolizing the twelve apostles. Homes are traditionally decorated with hay, symbolizing the humble manger where Christ was born. Whether it’s in metropolitan areas like Toronto or small towns in provinces such as Manitoba, Orthodox Christmas is a testament to the rich diversity of Canada’s religious tapestry.

Facts about Orthodox Christmas

• In the Orthodox tradition, a 40-day period called the Nativity Fast occurs before Christmas. Fasting is a faithful abstain from foods, especially those derived from animals, and wine.
• The Orthodox tradition uses icons - paintings of saints, to help people to pray. The main icon for Christmas features scenes from the birth of Christ.
• A popular dish served during Orthodox Christmas in Canada is kutia, a Ukrainian wheat porridge made with poppy seeds, nuts, honey, and sometimes fruit, signifying hope, happiness, and success.
• Many Orthodox Christians follow the Nativity Fast, which lasts for 40 days leading up to Christmas. The fast typically includes abstaining from meat, dairy products, and other rich foods, and it ends on Christmas day.

In the News and Trending in Canada for Orthodox Christmas

Top things to do in Canada for Orthodox Christmas

• Attend an Orthodox Christmas service. Orthodox Christianity is popular in Greek and Slavic-language communities, including Bulgarian, Russian, Serbian, Macedonian communities.
• This holiday includes many popular food traditions in Canada. Here are some special dishes and drinks that can be prepared:
  Kutya: A wheat berry pudding enriched with honey and poppy seeds, sometimes mixed with nuts and dried fruits.
  Pierogi: Stuffed dumplings typically filled with sauerkraut, cheese, or potato.
  Borscht: A popular beetroot soup often served with sour cream and dill.
  Golubtsi: Cabbage rolls stuffed with rice and ground meat, traditionally pork.
  Paska: A rich, sweet bread often decorated with religious symbols.
  Kielbasa: A type of Polish sausage commonly served during festive meals.
  Placki: Traditional potato pancakes that are a staple in Slavic cuisine.
  Proja: A popular Balkan bread made from cornmeal.
  Solyanka: A thick, spicy and sour Russian soup.
  Morozhenoe: Russian-style homemade ice cream, often made with fresh fruits and berries.
• Popular events that take place on Orthodox Christmas in Canada are:
  Divine Liturgy: Many Orthodox churches in Canada hold a special Divine Liturgy on the Orthodox Christmas Day. It may include various hymns, prayers, and biblical readings.
  Festive Parades: In many cities with a significant Orthodox Christian population, festive parades are held to celebrate the occasion.
  Orthodox Christmas Concerts: Special Christmas concerts with Orthodox hymns and carols are often organized in larger communities and cities.