Christmas 25 December and 7 January: the calendar schism as a result of history and culture The dates of celebrating Christmas — 25 December and 7 January — are a vivid reflection of deep historical and culturally-religious splits in the Christian world. This difference is not due to different theological interpretations, but to the use of different calendars: the Gregorian (introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582) and the Julian (introduced by Julius Caesar in 45 BC), which today lags behind the astronomical year by 13 days. Thus, 25 December in the "new style" (Gregorian calendar) corresponds to 7 January in the "old style" (Julian). 1. Countries celebrating Christmas as a state holiday on 25 December This is the overwhelming majority of countries in the world with Christian traditions, which historically belong to the Catholic and Protestant branches of Christianity, as well as a number of Orthodox churches that have switched to the New Julian calendar (matching the Gregorian until 2800 AD). Europe and America: Practically all countries of the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, countries of Latin America, Australia, New Zealand. Here Christmas is the main family holiday, combining religious content (masses, liturgies) and secular traditions (tree, gifts, Santa Claus). Orthodox countries celebrating 25 December: Greece, Cyprus, Romania, Bulgaria: The local Orthodox churches of these countries switched to the New Julian calendar for movable feasts (including Christmas) in the 1920s, while retaining the Julian calendar for calculating Easter. This decision was made to synchronize with the civil calendar. Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch and some other Orthodox churches also celebrate Christmas on 25 December according to the New Julian calendar. Interesting fact: In Israel 25 December is a working day, but recognized as a day off for the Christian minority. In Lebanon, where there is a significant influence of Maronite Cath ... Read more