Orthodox Christian – Feast of the Nativity

Eastern Orthodox churches celebrate their Christmas on January 7. They typically call this day the Feast of the Nativity. The reason Eastern churches celebrate the Feast of the Nativity on January 7, is because they still follow the Julian calendar. There is a thirteen day gap between the Julian calendar and the Gregorian calendar, which Western churches use.

On the Feast Day, some observers cut a branch from a tree and bring it into their home. This symbolizes Jesus entering their home and hearts. People great each other with the traditional greeting of “Christ is born!”, and respond, “Glorify Him!” Then, the bread present at the feast will be torn and shared with everyone. Some families have straw scattered at their table as a reminder of Jesus’ birth in the manger.