Christian Orthodox believers celebrate Christmas
They celebrate this day according to the Julian calendar as established by the Russian Orthodox Church.
Besides, a series of
Orthodox churches which do not depend on the Russian Orthodox Church, celebrate
Christmas on December 25 together with Christians of other denominations.
A period of fast precedes the celebration. Believers limit themselves in food. The
strictest fast is held on the night before Christmas. It finishes "after
the first star", which appears in the sky on the holy night. A big candle
which symbolizes the Bethlehem Star is brought to the people during the
Christmas mass. Believers keep fast till this very moment.
Christmastide starts on January 7 - the period of Christmas celebration. It
ends on January 19 - on the Epiphany of Christ.
