Today is the Russian Orthodox “Christmas”

Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill

Today, many Orthodox observe Christmas.Christmas is also celebrated on January 7th by the Serbian, Jerusalem and the Georgian Churches, just as by many Eastern Rite Catholic Communities (http://english.ruvr.ru/2011/01/07/38966578.html).

Perhaps it should be mentioned that there is no evidence that early Christians celebrated the birth of Jesus. There is no scriptural basis for celebrating it at all, and even less for picking January 7th (a mid-winter date is inconsistent with the practices of shepherds in Bethlehem at the time spending all night with flocks).

Here is why, according to Wikipedia, January 7th is used by some, though not all, Orthodox:

Eastern Orthodox national churches, including those of Russia, Georgia, Ukraine, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and the Greek Patriarchate of Jerusalem mark feasts using the older Julian Calendar. December 25 on that calendar currently corresponds to January 7 on the more widely used Gregorian calendar. However, other Orthodox Christians, such as the churches of Greece, Antioch, Alexandria, Albania, Finland and the Orthodox Church in America, among others, began using the Revised Julian Calendar in the early 20th century, which corresponds exactly to the Gregorian Calendar.

Basically, January 7th corresponds to the birthday of the sun-god Mithras (December 25th) on the old calendar, and that is why it is observed. It is not a biblical date. But those that observe it tend to minimize the ramifications of that.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future Where do the Russians come from? What is prophesied for Russia? What will it do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the sameEuropean leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Orthodox Must Reject Unity with the Roman Catholics There are many problems that will happen if they unify, including make them part of end time Babylon.
Why Should American Catholics Should Fear Unity with the Orthodox? Are the current ecumenical meetings a good thing or will they result in disaster?
Some Similarities and Differences Between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Living Church of God Both groups claim to be the original church, but both groups have differing ways to claim it. Both groups have some amazing similarities and some major differences. Do you know what they are?
Was Jesus Born in the Grotto of the Nativity? Was Jesus born in a below ground cave? Was Jesus born below the “Church of the Nativity”? Were the wise men there?
Is Keeping Christmas a Sin? Is keeping Christmas acceptable for true Christians? What are some scriptures to consider?
What Does the Catholic Church Teach About Christmas and the Holy Days? Do you know what the Catholic Church says were the original Christian holy days? Was Christmas among them? Is December 25th Jesus’ birthday or that of the sun god?
Did Early Christians Celebrate Birthdays? Did biblical era Jews celebrate birthdays? Who originally celebrated birthdays? When did many that profess Christ begin birthday celebrations?