Do Russians celebrate Orthodox Christmas?

Do Russians celebrate Orthodox Christmas?

Christmas is considered a high holiday by the Russian Orthodox Church, one of the 12 Great Feasts, and one of only four of which are preceded by a period of fasting.

What religion does most Russians follow?

Russian Orthodoxy
Religion in Russia is diverse with Christianity, especially Russian Orthodoxy being the most widely professed faith, but with significant minorities of non-religious people and adherents of other faiths.

What does Russia celebrate instead of Christmas?

Russians celebrate Christmas on January 7 instead of December 25 (read why here). And for most of them, the main winter holiday is still New Year, when families gather together for a festive meal, present each other with gifts and decorate a pine tree (yes, they do all this on NYE!).

How do Russians worship on Christmas?

Thoughtful gifts are given to loved ones, and homes are decorated with figures of angels, stars, and nativity scenes. Many Russians attend a Christmas mass on Christmas Eve. After dark, once the fast is broken, families sit down for a celebration meal.

Does the Russian Orthodox Church believe in God?

Eastern Orthodox Christians believe in a single God who is both three and one (triune); the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, “one in essence and undivided”.

Why is Russian Christmas different?

Christmas in Russia is normally celebrated on January 7th (only a few Catholics might celebrate it on the 25th December). The date is different because the Russian Orthodox Church uses the old ‘Julian’ calendar for religious celebration days. The Orthodox Church also celebrates Advent.

What does novnovy God stand for?

Novy God (Russian: Новый Год) is the Russian phrase for “New Year”, and also designates the Russian New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day celebration.

How do Russians celebrate Christmas?

Traditionally, Russian Christmas celebrations begin on Christmas Eve, called Сочельник (saCHYELnik). The name Сочельник comes from the word сочиво (SOHchiva), a special meal made from grains (usually wheat), seeds, nuts, honey, and sometimes dried fruit.

Do Russians eat meat on Christmas Eve?

Orthodox observers in Russia abstain from meat for 39 days before the 12 days of Christmas, eating meat only when the first star appears in the sky on Christmas Eve. The festivities begin in earnest at that time, since they also abstain from social gatherings (parties) during the 39-day period of fasting.

What is Novy God in Israel?

In Israel, the holiday is referred to by the Russian name “Novy God” (נובי גוד) and differs from New Year’s Eve, which is considered a Christian celebration (as Israel officially only recognizes the Jewish New Year). Since the celebration is nonreligious, it is celebrated by many Israeli Jews who are first- or second-generation Russian immigrants.