Are you wondering whether or not Orthodox Christians say’merry Christmas’? If you are then you are not alone. There are plenty of people out there who believe that this is the Christian way to wish everyone a happy holiday season. However, do you know how this practice came about? Read on to find out more.
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Russian Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas on the 6th of January
Orthodox Christmas is one of the most important Christian holidays. It is a time for devout families to gather to pray and commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. In Russia, most people celebrate it on the 6th and 7th of January.
A very large number of Russians identify themselves as members of the Russian Orthodox Church. This is the country’s main religion. There are about 250 million Orthodox Christians worldwide. The majority live in countries in eastern and southeastern Europe, including Ukraine.
As part of the Russian Orthodox Church’s ten-day Christmas holiday, people in Russia enjoy a variety of church services. Many people attend a Christmas Eve dinner that consists of 12 dishes. These dishes represent each of the twelve apostles. Some of the most popular foods are sauerkraut, buckwheat, and fried onions.
Many of the Orthodox Christians in Russia also attend a morning Divine Liturgy of the Nativity on Christmas Day. They may also participate in an All Night Vigil, which is held the night before Christmas.
Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria celebrates Advent
Coptic Orthodox Christians in Egypt celebrate Christmas on December 25. The Julian calendar sets the date. This is different from the Gregorian calendar used by other Christian denominations.
The Julian calendar was introduced by Julius Caesar in 46 BC. It aligns with the ancient Coptic calendar.
The Coptic year begins with the arrival of the Messiah. This year, the Coptic Church has declared a holiday to coincide with the celebration. Pope Tawadros II will preside over the Divine Liturgy. He will also broadcast a spiritual message.
The Coptic Orthodox Church is Egypt’s largest Christian denomination. It has approximately 25 million members in the world. A large number of its followers come from Africa.
Egypt’s Coptic Christians are known for their Marian traditions. In addition to celebrating Christmas on the same day as the rest of the world, they also hold a forty-day Advent season. These 40 days are dedicated to Mary.
Coptic Christmas involves a long liturgy. Traditionally, it is held on January 6th, according to the Julian calendar. However, last year’s mass was cancelled due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus. Despite the attack, Egyptian Coptic Christians are still determined to celebrate this feast.
Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria observes Fast of the Advent
The Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria observes Fast of the Advent, or Qanona. A special service is held at night, usually past midnight. It involves asking for intercessions.
Advent is the time of the year when the Church celebrates the arrival of the Messiah. This time also commemorates the Resurrection of Christ.
There are seven major Holy feasts that are celebrated by Copts. These include the Holy Apostles’ fast, Palm Sunday, Ascension Day, Christmas, Pentecost, the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, and Easter.
The Coptic Orthodox Church has a large membership. At least 15 percent of the Egyptian population is members. During the medieval period, Egypt was almost entirely Christian. However, the Copts were persecuted by many rulers. They are indigenous people of Egypt, with a history stretching back nearly two thousand years.
The Coptic Orthodox Church uses a Coptic calendar to set the dates of their holidays. The Gregorian calendar is used by other Christians.
Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria celebrates Christmas Mass
The Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria is the largest Christian denomination in Egypt. Besides Egypt, the church is also active in Africa and the Middle East. It is the mother church of the Ethiopian and Eritrean Orthodox Tewahido churches.
Coptic Christians celebrate Christmas two weeks after most Western denominations. Egyptians celebrate the feast by exchanging gifts and enjoying traditional sweets.
This year, Christmas Mass is scheduled to take place on January 6. Pope Tawadros II, Patriarch of Saint Mark Episcopate, will lead the Divine Liturgy. He will also record the annual spiritual message for the Feast of Nativity.
Security measures were increased to prevent al-Qaida attacks. Several hundred Coptic Catholics arrived at the Church of the Resurrection in Alexandria on Monday evening. However, the street near the church was blocked by metal barricades.
President Abdel Fattah El Sisi was invited to the Coptic Christmas mass and delivered a message of unity. In addition, several bishops and fathers attended the mass.
