Orthodox New Year in the United Kingdom

Overview: The Orthodox New Year, also known as the Julian New Year, is celebrated on January 14th in the UK by members of the Orthodox Christian community. This date corresponds to January 1st in the Julian calendar, which was superseded by the Gregorian calendar most of the world uses today.

History and Traditions: The history of the Orthodox New Year is tied to the use of the Julian calendar, established by Julius Caesar in 45 BCE. The Orthodox Church continues to use this calendar for its liturgical schedule. In countries where Eastern Orthodoxy is predominant, such as Russia, Serbia, and other Eastern European nations, traditions include feasts, religious services, and family gatherings.

In the UK, where the Orthodox community is smaller and more diverse due to immigration from various countries with different traditions, celebrations are less homogeneous but usually involve:

• Religious Services: Many attend special church services where liturgies are held according to the Julian calendar.
• Gatherings: Families and friends often gather for meals or parties.
• Cultural Events: Some communities may organize cultural events featuring music, dance, or food from their countries of origin.

What People Do: Those observing this holiday in the UK participate in a range of activities:

• Attend church services at local Orthodox parishes.
• Host or attend social gatherings with traditional foods from their respective cultures.
• Exchange gifts or well-wishes for the New Year.

Despite being a significant date for those of Eastern Orthodox faith in Britain, it is not a public holiday and largely goes unnoticed by the general population. It's primarily a religious observance rather than a nationwide celebration.