Orthodox New Year

Categories:: Religious
Tags:: Christian Festivities
Where:: International
Date change rule:: Every January 14
Holiday emoji:: ☦️

Orthodox New Year is annually celebrated on January 14, marking the first day of the year according to the Julian calendar. This significant religious observance invites believers to gather with family, enjoy festive meals, and engage in meditation about personal resolutions. Join in the traditions, explore its rich history, and connect with the global Orthodox community.

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Expected Orthodox New Year Deals

For Orthodox New Year, commercial deals are less common than community and spiritual observances. However, specialty grocery stores like Taste of Europe and International Food Bazaar may offer discounts on traditional foods such as kutia, Olivier salad, and varenyky. Local bakeries might feature specific holiday breads and pastries. Religious bookstores and cultural centers, such as Holy Trinity Bookstore or Russian House of Houston, often host special events, lectures, or offer discounts on icons, books, and other religious items. We will update this page with confirmed local events and offerings as January 14 approaches.

Platform Guide for Orthodox New Year

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #OrthodoxNewYear. Share photos of family gatherings and traditional meals.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #OrthodoxNewYear. Post visually appealing content showcasing cultural traditions and festive decorations.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #OrthodoxNewYear. Share insights into the history and significance of the Julian calendar’s New Year observance.

Orthodox New Year Hero

Julius Caesar

Gaius Julius Caesar (100 BCE – 44 BCE) was a Roman general and statesman who played a critical role in the events that led to the demise of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire. In 45 BCE, he introduced the Julian calendar, a solar calendar that replaced the Roman calendar. This calendar, with its fixed 365 days and a leap day every four years, was widely adopted across the Roman world and remained the predominant calendar in most of Europe until the Gregorian calendar was introduced in 1582. Orthodox New Year continues to observe the original Julian calendar date.

History of Orthodox New Year

The Orthodox New Year is an informal holiday celebrated by orthodox churches in Russia, Serbia, and other Eastern European countries, following the Julian calendar. The Julian calendar was initiated by Julius Caesar in 46 B.C. as a way to change the Roman Calendar. This calendar was invented by Greek scholars and, by Caesar’s command, it went into effect in 45 B.C. It was in use for more than 1,600 years before the Gregorian calendar.

On this unique New Year’s Day, restaurants, clubs, cafés, and hotels are usually fully booked and there is live music, fireworks, elaborate meals, and several forms of entertainment. In North Macedonia, in celebration, people gather outside their houses on the eve, in the middle of their neighborhoods. They start a huge bonfire and drink and eat together. Traditional Macedonian music is sung, and for those who stay at home, it is the tradition to eat homemade pita where one has a hidden coin inside. Finding the coin in their portion was said to bring good fortune.

Churches have Orthodox New Year events such as parties or dinners. The individuals who go to these events may pray for the New Year and toast their beverages to a year full of goodness. Some churches host dinners to raise funds for charities or church restorations.

Orthodox New Year timeline

1582

New Calendar

The Gregorian calendar is introduced by Pope Gregory XIII to replace the Julian calendar.

1918

Russia Adopts the New Calendar

The Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic officially adopts the Gregorian calendar.

1923

Adjusting Calendars

The Julian calendar is revised to be more in line with the Gregorian calendar.

1973

Orthodox New Year in Literature

Playwright Mikhail Roshchin writes a comedy-drama called “The Old New year.”

1980

Orthodox New Year in Films

Mosfilm studios release a television film that features the celebration of Orthodox New Year.

Orthodox New Year FAQs

When is Orthodox New Year?

In 2027, Orthodox New Year is observed on Friday, January 14, providing an opportunity for believers to reaffirm their faith and traditions as the new civil year begins.

How many people celebrate Orthodox New Year?

Millions of adherents to the Orthodox Christian faith, including significant populations in countries like Russia, Serbia, Ukraine, and Greece, continue to celebrate Orthodox New Year on January 14.

What is the Julian calendar?

Predating the Gregorian calendar, the Julian calendar was established by Julius Caesar and is still used by several Orthodox Christian churches for their liturgical year, resulting in a 13-day difference from the modern civil calendar.

Is Orthodox New Year a public holiday?

Although deeply significant for Orthodox believers, January 14 is generally not recognized as a federal or public holiday, meaning businesses and schools operate as usual across most regions.

How to Observe Orthodox New Year

Enjoy dinner with friends and family
This old New Year celebration is a perfect time to gather loved ones to wine and dine in gratitude for the start of another year. Beginning the year this way is bound to make it a good one.
Learn to cook some Eastern European dishes
This is a good day to learn new dishes like Kutya – a porridge made of grain, honey, and poppy seeds, known to symbolize hope, happiness, and success. This will add to your cooking skills, and it’ll be a great way to start the year.
Organize a celebration party
Starting a new year is a lot to be grateful for and deserves to be celebrated. Plan an indoor or outdoor party with friends, family, and neighbors to joyfully usher in the new year.

5 Facts About The Eastern Orthodox Church That Will Interest You

It has many members
It is the second-largest Christian church, with approximately 220 million baptized members.
It is self-governed
It has no central doctrinal or governmental authority but is each governed by its local bishops.
It is ancient
Eastern Orthodox Church is one of the oldest surviving religious institutions in the world.
It has another official name
It officially calls itself the Orthodox Catholic Church, and it is the name issued in its liturgical or canonical texts.
It is historically relevant
The church has played a prominent role in the history and culture of Eastern and Southeastern Europe.

Why Orthodox New Year is Important

It connects us to history
The Orthodox New year is linked to the Julian calendar, which was generally used at some point in the distant past. Thus, the celebration helps us stay in touch with that special historical time.
The day unites people
People all across Western Europe gather together in churches and other venues to collectively celebrate the new year. This does a lot to create deep bonding and unity among members of the community/country.
Opportunity for a fresh start
With the new year starting all over again, we are given the chance to strategize and make better and more practicable plans. This day ultimately helps provide better clarity, insight, and motivation to launch into an amazing year!