Wed Jan 07 09:33:04 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Orthodox and Coptic Christians Celebrate Christmas on January 7th Due to Calendar Differences
The Story: Millions of Orthodox and Coptic Christians around the world observe Christmas on January 7th, a date rooted in the continued use of the Julian calendar. This tradition stems from the historical divergence in calendar systems that began in 1582 when Pope Gregory XIII introduced the Gregorian calendar, a more accurate measure of the solar year. While many Christian denominations and secular entities adopted the Gregorian calendar, some Orthodox and Eastern Christian churches maintained the Julian calendar to preserve their established traditions. This difference results in a 13-day discrepancy, placing their Christmas celebration on what the Gregorian calendar recognizes as January 7th.
Key Points:
- Approximately 250-300 million Christians, primarily Orthodox and Coptic denominations, celebrate Christmas on January 7th.
- The discrepancy arose from the Gregorian calendar reform in 1582, which aimed to correct inaccuracies in the Julian calendar introduced by Julius Caesar in 46 BC.
- The Julian calendar is currently 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar, and this gap will increase to 14 days by the year 2101 if it remains in use.
- Some Orthodox countries, like Ukraine (2023), Greece, and Romania, have shifted their Christmas observance to December 25th, often due to geopolitical influences.
- Belarus and Moldova celebrate Christmas on both December 25th and January 7th to accommodate different Christian denominations.
Key Takeaways:
- The difference in Christmas dates is not a theological disagreement about the birth of Jesus, but a consequence of differing calendar traditions.
- Geopolitical factors and cultural shifts can influence religious practices and the adoption of calendar systems.
- The persistence of the Julian calendar showcases the importance of tradition and historical continuity for certain religious communities.
First Piper 