Christmas in Austria: Orthodox celebrate festively on January 6th and 7th!

Christmas in Austria: Orthodox celebrate festively on January 6th and 7th!

In Austria, the remaining orthodox Christians stand before the upcoming Christmas, the many hundreds of thousands of believers on January 6th and 7th, according to the Julian calendar. As kathpress.at are not only expected in Vienna and other cities, but also Oriental- Orthodox believers, but also believers are expected, but also in Vienna and other cities. which participate in the festive Christmas liturgies in their communities. The Russian Orthodox Nikolauskathedral in Jauresgasse is preparing for the celebrations with the night watch of Christmas Eve on January 6th at 6 p.m.

Christmas in the sign of the Julian calendar

The festivities are not only planned in Vienna, but throughout Austria, where the Orthodox churches of the Patriarchate of Moscow and Belgrade celebrate Christmas. Around 500,000 Orthodox believers live in Austria, with the Serbian Orthodox Church as the largest community, followed by smaller groups of Russian Orthodox and Romanian Orthodox churches. The Julian calendar, the Julius Caesar in 45 BC. BC was introduced for 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar, which is why the Orthodox celebrations often take place at other times. As a result, the Orthodox churches in Greece and other regions already on 24/25. December celebrated.

The Julian calendar, such as hellas.blog explained, is based on an old sun calendar reform and is still used in many orthodox churches. The distinction between the Gregorian and the Julian calendar makes it clear why Christmas is celebrated so late for the Orthodox Christians in Austria. While most western churches have already completed their celebrations, the Orthodox communities are now looking forward to the climax of their festive season, which underlines their faith and traditions.