Orthodox Christmas

Orthodox Christmas History

Orthodox Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, the founder of the Christian faith. Essential aspects include attending the Divine Liturgy, the main worship service, usually conducted at midnight, as well as partaking in a sequence of customs and traditions such as carols, fasting, and feasting on specially prepared meals.

The history of Orthodox Christmas spans centuries and has been observed by generations of believers across the globe. In Australia, the Orthodox Christian community, consisting primarily of Greek, Russian, Serbian, Romanian, and other Eastern European ethnicities, has carried this rich heritage and tradition to the country since their migration during the 1950s and 1960s. The observance carries a significant importance amongst these communities. The Australian society, known for its multicultural inclusivity, embraces this event, thereby enriching its multicultural identity.

In Australia, Orthodox Christmas is celebrated on January 7th, owing to the fact that these Eastern Orthodox Churches follow the Julian calendar. The day involves church-based activities, family gatherings, and communal feasting. Church services with hymns and prayers typical of Orthodox Christian liturgy mark the day's beginning. After the church services, families mostly bond over meals featuring dishes that are traditional to their particular ethnic group. The event showcases the diversity of Australia's social fabric and adds to the rich tapestry of cultural celebrations in the country.

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.
• One historical event that had an impact on Australia's Orthodox Christmas celebrations was the arrival of thousands of Eastern European displaced persons after World War II. These migrants brought with them their customs and religious practices, contributing to the rich cultural tapestry of Orthodox Christmas traditions in Australia.
• Russians and Ukrainians may celebrate a Christmas Eve meal, called Svyat Vechir, which consists of 12 meatless dishes to represent the 12 apostles. Serbian families may burn the traditional Yule log, or badnjak, to bring fortune and health to the household.

In the News and Trending in Australia for Orthodox Christmas

Top things to do in Australia for Orthodox Christmas

• Attend an Orthodox Christmas service. Orthodox Christianity is popular in Greek and Slavic-language communities, including Bulgarian, Russian, Serbian, Macedonian communities.
• ------------------------------------------------
• Popular events that occur on Orthodox Christmas in Australia are:
  Orthodox Christmas Mass: Orthodox churches across Australia hold a special midnight mass, with beautiful carols and unique rituals for Orthodox Christmas.
  Australian Serbian Festival: This event is often around Orthodox Christmas and showcases the traditions and heritage of the Serbian Orthodox community. It includes traditional Serbian food, music, dance and sports.
  Russian Resurrection Film Festival: Although not strictly for Orthodox Christmas, this celebration of Russian cinema often falls around the same time and has become a popular event among Russian Orthodox Australians.
  Church Festivals: Many Orthodox churches host festivals around Christmas time. These often include traditional food, music, dancing, and sometimes even carnival rides.
  Slavic Pancake Festival (Maslenitsa): Thrown by the Russian community, this festival often falls around Orthodox Christmas. It features traditional Slavic pancakes, music, and games.