Orthodox Christmas Day in Georgia

Orthodox Christmas Day in Georgia is celebrated on January 7th, according to the Julian calendar, which is used by the Georgian Orthodox Church. This differs from the Gregorian calendar used in many western countries, where Christmas is celebrated on December 25th.

History and Traditions

The Georgian Orthodox Church, one of the world's oldest Christian churches, has preserved many ancient Christian traditions. The celebration of Christmas is a blend of religious solemnity and cultural festivities.

• Alilo Procession: A central tradition on Orthodox Christmas Day in Georgia is the Alilo procession, a religious parade similar to caroling. People dressed in special attire take to the streets to sing hymns and carols, celebrating the birth of Christ.
• Church Services: The day is marked by special church services, including the Divine Liturgy of the Nativity. Many Georgians attend church services on Christmas Eve (January 6th) and Christmas Day.
• Nativity Scenes: Some people also participate in Nativity scene performances or visit live Nativity scenes organized by local churches.
• Feasting: After fasting during the Advent season leading up to Christmas, Georgians celebrate with a feast called "kveli." Traditional dishes include "satsivi" (walnut chicken), "khachapuri" (cheese-filled bread), and "churchkhela" (candle-shaped candy).

What People Do

On Orthodox Christmas Day, Georgians typically:

• Attend church services to observe the religious significance of Christ's birth.
• Spend time with family and friends, often gathering for a celebratory meal.
• Exchange gifts as a part of family celebrations.
• Visit relatives and neighbors to share festive greetings.

Overall, Orthodox Christmas Day is an important religious holiday that brings together faith, tradition, and community spirit among Georgians.