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Observance · not a public holiday in Macau

Orthodox Christmas

Orthodox Christmas 2026 in Macau is observed on 星期三, 7 1月 2026.

Orthodox Christmas is not an official public holiday in Macau. The date shown is when it falls globally; it may be observed privately or culturally. See Macau's official public holidays →
星期三, 7 1月 2026
196 days ago
Also known as: Christmas (Julian calendar) · Православное Рождество
Date星期三, 7 1月 2026
StatusNot a public holiday in Macau
Time until196 days ago
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Orthodox Christmas is observed on January 7 by the Russian Orthodox Church, several other Orthodox churches, and the Coptic and Ethiopian churches — all of which use the Julian calendar (13 days behind the Gregorian).

History & origin

All Christian churches originally celebrated Christmas on December 25 of the Julian calendar. After the Gregorian reform of 1582, churches that did not switch (most Eastern Orthodox, Coptic, Ethiopian) kept the Julian December 25 — which corresponds to January 7 on the modern Gregorian calendar.

Traditions & customs

Christmas Eve (January 6): Sochelnik — fasting until the first star, then a 12-course meatless meal (representing the 12 apostles). Hay placed under the tablecloth. All-night liturgy at church. January 7: festive meal with meat and family visits.

Traditional foods

Russian: kutya (sweet wheat or rice pudding), uzvar (dried fruit drink), pirozhki, roast goose. Ethiopian: doro wat (chicken stew) and injera.

Greetings & salutations

"С Рождеством Христовым" (Russian).

For travellers

Public holiday in Russia, Ukraine (where it is moving to December 25 amid de-Russification), Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Belarus, Georgia, Ethiopia, Eritrea.

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Orthodox Christmas on a different date?
These churches still use the Julian calendar for religious observance. The Julian December 25 corresponds to January 7 Gregorian. Greek Orthodox have adopted the Gregorian — they celebrate December 25 like the Catholic church.

Orthodox Christmas in other countries

This holiday is also publicly observed in:

More holidays in Macau

Related holidays

Frequently asked questions

When is Orthodox Christmas 2026 in Macau?

Orthodox Christmas 2026 in Macau is observed on 星期三, 7 1月 2026.

Is Orthodox Christmas a public holiday in Macau?

No. Orthodox Christmas is marked in Macau, but it is not an official public holiday — workplaces and schools stay open.

How many days until Orthodox Christmas?

The countdown above shows the exact days, hours and minutes remaining. The year-by-year list below has Orthodox Christmas's date in the surrounding years.

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