Orthodox Christmas Day in United States ― Date, History, and Details
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History of Orthodox Christmas Day in United States and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
Orthodox Christmas Day is a Christian holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated on December 25 in the Orthodox churches, which use the Julian calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar used by most other Christians. In the United States, Orthodox Christmas Day is not a federal holiday, but it is observed as a state holiday in some states, such as New York and New Jersey.
The day is marked by special church services, the exchange of gifts, and feasting. In Orthodox tradition, Jesus was born at night, so the day begins with a candlelit service called the Nativity Vigil. This is followed by the Divine Liturgy, a festive meal, and more gift-giving. The day ends with a vigil service called the Royal Hours, during which Orthodox Christians read from the Gospels.