January 7 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)

In Eastern Orthodox liturgical practice, January 7 refers to the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus Christ (Christmas) according to the Julian calendar. While many Western Christian denominations celebrate Christmas on December 25th according to the Gregorian calendar, a number of Eastern Orthodox Churches, including the Russian, Serbian, Georgian, Ukrainian, Macedonian, and Jerusalem Orthodox Churches, continue to follow the Julian calendar. Because the Julian calendar is currently 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar, December 25th on the Julian calendar falls on January 7th of the Gregorian calendar. The liturgical celebration of Christmas on January 7th involves a vigil service on the evening of January 6th, followed by the Divine Liturgy on January 7th. The Nativity feast marks the beginning of the twelve Great Feasts of the Orthodox liturgical year.