Orthodox Christians Celebrate Christmas Today: Why January 7?

Millions of Orthodox Christians around the world are celebrating Christmas on January 7. This date follows the older Julian calendar, which many Orthodox churches still use for religious festivals. The more widely used Gregorian calendar marks Christmas on December 25. From Ethiopia and Egypt to Russia and Serbia, believers are honoring the birth of Jesus Christ. Celebrations include special prayer services, worship, and charitable acts. The day is a major public holiday in several nations, including Ethiopia, where it is known as Gena.