kerstfeest in rusland

You probably wonder why do Russians Orthodox people celebrate Christmas on January 7th? Why not on December 25th?
 
Well, the reason is that the Russian Orthodox Church still lives according to the old Julian Calendar, which is currently 13 days behind the Gregorian Calendar, which is adopted by most countries in the world (and by the Russian government). When in the end of 1917 the Bolshevik government decided to adopt Gregorian calendar, the Russian Orthodox church decided not to follow the rules set by the incresingly oppresive civil authorities. Part of the reason was to protest against the Bolsheviks and their interference in church affairs. Another reason, perhaps, was to stick to the older rules, the ways in which generations of Russian Christians were praising the Lord, observing holidays, etc.
 
Bron: cityvision2000.com
icoon van de Geboorte van Onze Heer en Verlosser Jezus Christus
Icoon van de Geboorte van Onze Heer en Verlosser Jezus Christus