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Orthodox Christians Celebrate Christmas Eve with Tradition and Community

1/8/2026

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Orthodox Christians Celebrate

On January 6, 2026, Orthodox Christians celebrated Christmas Eve at St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Church in St. Clair, Pennsylvania, with 150 worshippers.
The church is among Schuylkill County's few observing January 7.
Rev. Jeff Zias emphasized holiday significance, noting the church's founding by Carpathian immigrants and its home visitations.
Epiphany, celebrated on January 6, marks the Magi's arrival and is observed in Three Kings Day.

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Orthodox Christians Celebrate

Millions celebrated Orthodox Christmas on January 7, as the Julian calendar remains 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar.
The Russian Orthodox Church, the largest in Eastern Orthodoxy, along with the Serbian Orthodox Church and the Coptic Orthodox Churches, observe January 7.
In Ukraine, the government shifted the public holiday to December 25 in 2023, though many celebrate on January 7.
Traditions include major worship services on the eve of Christmas.

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Orthodox Christians Celebrate

On January 6, 2026, Orthodox Christians celebrated Christmas Eve at St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Church in St. Clair, Pennsylvania, with 150 worshippers.
The church is among Schuylkill County's few observing January 7.
Rev. Jeff Zias emphasized holiday significance, noting the church's founding by Carpathian immigrants and its home visitations.
Epiphany, celebrated on January 6, marks the Magi's arrival and is observed in Three Kings Day.

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