Merry Christmas Russia - January 7

[Sequoia]

Thirteen days after Western Christmas, on January 7th, the Russian Orthodox Church celebrates its Christmas, in accordance with the old Julian calendar. It's a day of both solemn ritual and joyous celebration

After the 1917 Revolution, Christmas was banned throughout Russia, along with other religious celebrations. It wasn't until 75 years later, in 1992, that the holiday was openly observed. Today, it's once again celebrated in grand fashion, with the faithful participating in an all-night Mass in incense-filled Cathedrals amidst the company of the painted icons of Saints.

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http://russian-crafts.com/customs/christmas.html

[Lavender Brown]

1. Cool

I didn't know it was the 7th in the Orthodox church. We always celebrated Jan. 6 as "Italian Christmas" when I was growing up. :)

[sundog]

2. cool article

thanks!

[canadianbeaver]

3. Ukaranian Christmas for us when we were younger.....

Merry Christmas to all!!