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Which Christians Celebrate Christmas on 7 January 2026 and Why?

Who Celebrates Christmas on 7 January 2026 and Why?

Around the world, Christmas is recognized as the holiday that honors the birth of Jesus Christ and is usually celebrated on December 25. However, millions of Christians around the world will celebrate Christmas on 7 January 2026 instead. This difference often causes curiosity and confusion, especially among people unfamiliar with Christian liturgical calendars.

The reason is not theological disagreement about Christ’s birth, but rather the use of different calendars within Christianity. This article explains which Christians celebrate Christmas on 7 January, from which countries they come, and why this date remains important in 2026.

Why Christmas Falls on 7 January for Some Christians

The Calendar Difference Explained Simply

The key reason behind the 7 January celebration is the continued use of the Julian calendar by certain Christian churches.

  • The Julian calendar was introduced in ancient Rome and was used throughout early Christianity.

  • In 1582, the Gregorian calendar was introduced to correct inaccuracies in the Julian system.

  • Over centuries, the Julian calendar fell behind by 13 days compared to the Gregorian calendar.

As a result:

  • 25 December (Julian calendar) now corresponds to 7 January (Gregorian calendar).

Churches that continue to calculate feast days using the Julian calendar therefore observe Christmas on 7 January

Which Christian Traditions Celebrate Christmas on 7 January?

Christians who celebrate Christmas on 7 January mostly belong to:

  • Eastern Orthodox Churches

  • Oriental Orthodox Churches

  • A small number of Eastern Catholic and Old Calendarist communities

These churches preserve ancient liturgical traditions and calendar usage as part of their religious identity.

Countries Where Christians Celebrate Christmas on 7 January 2026

Below is a clear, country-based list, focusing on where the 7 January Christmas date is officially or traditionally observed.

🇷🇺 Russia

  • Christian group: Russian Orthodox Church

  • Russia is home to one of the world’s largest Orthodox populations.

  • The Church officially follows the Julian calendar for religious feasts.

  • Christmas is observed on 7 January, even though the state calendar is Gregorian

🇷🇸 Serbia

  • Christian group: Serbian Orthodox Church

  • Serbia strongly preserves Old Calendar traditions.

  • Christmas on 7 January is a major national and religious celebration.

  • Traditions include fasting, church liturgies, and multi-day family observances

🇧🇾 Belarus

  • Christian group: Belarusian Orthodox Church

  • Closely aligned with Russian Orthodox tradition.

  • Christmas is celebrated on 7 January using the Julian calendar.

  • The day is recognized culturally and religiously nationwide.

🇬🇪 Georgia

  • Christian group: Georgian Orthodox Church

  • One of the earliest civilizations to adopt Christianity as a core belief system.

  • The church maintains the traditional Julian calendar.

  • Christmas on 7 January remains deeply spiritual and nationally significant.

🇲🇩 Moldova (Partially)

  • Christian group: Moldovan Orthodox communities

  • Some churches follow the Julian calendar, others the Revised Julian.

  • As a result, both 25 December and 7 January are observed depending on church jurisdiction Visit Ukraine.

🇺🇦 Ukraine (Select Communities)

  • Christian group: Ukrainian Orthodox communities (Old Calendar parishes)

  • Although many churches shifted to 25 December, Old Calendar communities still celebrate on 7 January.

  • Some families observe both dates for cultural and religious reasons Wikipedia.

🇪🇬 Egypt

  • Christian group: Coptic Orthodox Church

  • Christmas is celebrated on 7 January nationwide.

  • The date is a public holiday in Egypt.

  • Coptic Christians follow an ancient calendar closely related to the Julian system Wikipedia.

🇪🇹 Ethiopia

  • Christian group: Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church

  • Christmas, known locally as Genna, is celebrated on 7 January.

  • The church uses its own ancient calendar system.

  • The celebration includes fasting, overnight prayers, and traditional rituals Wikipedia.

🇪🇷 Eritrea

  • Christian group: Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church

  • Closely connected to Ethiopian Orthodox traditions.

  • Christmas is celebrated on 7 January with extended fasting and liturgy.

🇦🇲 Armenia (Diaspora Communities)

  • Christian group: Armenian Apostolic Old Calendar communities

  • While Armenia officially celebrates on 6 January, some diaspora and Old Calendar groups observe January 7.

  • This is less common but still present in certain regions.

🌍 Orthodox Diaspora Communities Worldwide

In addition to national churches, Orthodox Christians living abroad also celebrate Christmas on 7 January, including communities in:

  • United States

  • Canada

  • Germany

  • France

  • Australia

  • United Kingdom

These communities maintain their liturgical calendar regardless of local national holidays Calendarr.

Why These Churches Continue Using the Julian Calendar

1. Preservation of Apostolic Tradition

Many Orthodox churches believe maintaining the original calendar preserves continuity with early Christianity.

2. Liturgical Unity

Changing one feast date affects the entire church calendar, including fasting periods and movable feasts.

3. Spiritual Identity

For many believers, the calendar is not merely a timekeeping system but part of their religious heritage.

Will These Christians Still Celebrate on 7 January in 2026?

Yes.
In 2026, the difference between the Julian and Gregorian calendars remains 13 days, so Christmas will still fall on 7 January for Julian-calendar churches Time and Date.

The next shift will not occur until the year 2100, when the difference increases to 14 days.

Summary List: Christians Celebrating Christmas on 7 January 2026

Countries & Communities

  • Russia – Orthodox Christians

  • Serbia – Orthodox Christians

  • Belarus – Orthodox Christians

  • Georgia – Orthodox Christians

  • Moldova – Partial Orthodox population

  • Ukraine – Old Calendar Orthodox communities

  • Egypt – Coptic Orthodox Christians

  • Ethiopia – Ethiopian Orthodox Christians

  • Eritrea – Eritrean Orthodox Christians

  • Orthodox diaspora communities worldwide

Final Thoughts

Christmas on 7 January 2026 is not an exception or a delay—it is the result of centuries-old Christian tradition preserved by millions of believers worldwide. These Christians celebrate the same birth of Jesus Christ, guided by a calendar that connects them directly to the early history of their faith.

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