Orthodox Christian Christmas

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Orthodox Christians all over the world celebrate

the birth of Jesus Christ, Son of Virgin Mary and the

Holy Spirit, on January 7 (according to the Roman

Calendar, corresponding to December 25 according to the

Orthodox Christian Calendar). <br><br>Preparation for the

celebration of Christmas<br><br>Orthodox Christians begin the

Holy Christmas fast 40 days before Christmas. During

the fast, which lasts for 40 days consecutively, as

per the level of fasting chosen by a devotee, he can

either eat food without animal fat or subsist on water

alone. Devotional Christmas songs (canon) are sang daily

from the Holy day of Vavedenje (Initiation of Mother

Mary) on December 4* until January 13*, which is the

New Year’s day as per the Orthodox Christian

calendar. The New Year’s day is also called Small

Christmas. <br><br>Three weeks prior to Christmas, three

religious rites are performed. In the first week, parents

symbolically tie their children around ankles and wrists and

untie them when children make an offering to them. In

the second week children tie their mothers in a

similar way and untie them when mothers make an offering

to them. In the third week same ritual is performed

on fathers. Tying symbolizes seeking a connection

with God and untying symbolizes release from sins.

<br><br>*According to the Roman calendar. <br><br>Source

<a href=http://www.sanatan.org/weekly

target=new>http://www.sanatan.org/weekly</a>