Orthodox New Year 2024 (January 14): Date, History and Activities

Orthodox Christians celebrate the Orthodox New Year on January 14, following the Julian calendar, which was in use before the Gregorian calendar. Orthodox churches in Eastern European nations like Russia, Serbia, and North Macedonia observe this unofficial festival. Before the Gregorian calendar, which Julius Caesar established in 46 B.C., there were over 1,600 years of use for the Julian calendar.

(Credit: Wikipedia)

Orthodox New Year 2024: Every year on January 14, people celebrate the the Orthodox New Year. The Julian calendar, which was in use before the Gregorian calendar, marks January 1 for the Orthodox New Year, sometimes referred to as the Old New Year. It is a well-liked celebration among Orthodox Christians. Services are typically held with a joyful meal, music, and dancing throughout this festival. It’s customary for folks to spend time with their families over this holiday. It entails thoughtful reflection on one’s own particular New Year’s resolutions. It is not a public holiday, even though Orthodox believers find it significant.

The Orthodox New Year’s History

Following the Julian calendar, orthodox churches in Russia, Serbia, and other Eastern European nations observe the Orthodox New Year as a non-official festival. In an attempt to alter the Roman calendar, Julius Caesar instituted the Julian calendar in 46 B.C. Greek scholars created this calendar, which Caesar ordered implemented in 45 B.C. Before the Gregorian calendar, it was in use for more than 1,600 years.

Restaurants, bars, cafés, and hotels are typically completely booked on this special New Year’s Day, which also features live music, fireworks, sumptuous feasts, and a variety of entertainment options. People in North Macedonia celebrate by congregating in the middle of their communities on the eve of the holiday, outside their homes.

They gather around a massive bonfire, sharing food and drinks. There is singing of traditional Macedonian music, and eating homemade pita with a concealed penny inside is customary for those who choose to stay at home.

Churches celebrate the Orthodox New Year with feasts and celebrations. Attendees of these events are welcome to pray for a good New Year’s and raise a glass to that fact. A few churches have meals to generate money for charitable causes or building renovations.

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New year’s visit to orthodox methods

Savor a meal with loved ones and friends.

This traditional New Year’s Eve dinner is a wonderful occasion to get together with loved ones and toast to the beginning of a new year. This is going to be a great way to start the year.

Pick up some recipes from Eastern Europe.

It’s a wonderful idea to try some new foods today, such as kutya, a porridge composed with grains, honey, and poppy seeds that represents prosperity, happiness, and hope. This is a terrific way to start the year and will improve your cooking abilities.

Plan a celebratory event.

There are many reasons to celebrate the beginning of a new year. To celebrate the start of the new year with friends, family, and neighbors, have an inside or outdoor party.

5 facts you’ll find interesting about the eastern orthodox church

With around 220 million members who have been baptized, it is the second-largest Christian church.
Instead of a central body with doctrinal or political authority, local bishops are in charge of it.
The Eastern Orthodox Church, dating back centuries, is among the world’s oldest and most revered religious establishments.
It refers to itself officially as the Orthodox Catholic Church, and canonical or liturgical writings use this name as well.
The church had a big impact on Eastern and Southeast European history and culture.

Why is it significant?

It links us to the past.

The Julian calendar, which was widely utilized at one point in the ancient past, is connected to the Orthodox New Year. Consequently, the celebration aids in keeping us connected to that unique historical period.

People come together on this day.

To celebrate the new year, people congregate in churches and other locations around Western Europe. This greatly contributes to the strong bonds and togetherness that exist among the nation or community.

Possibility of a new beginning

We have a fresh start every year, which presents an opportunity for planning and strategic thinking. In the end, this day contributes to improved drive, understanding, and clarity as we begin an incredible year!

ORTHODOX NEW YEAR DATES

Year	Date	Day
2024	January 14	Sunday
2025	January 14	Tuesday
2026	January 14	Wednesday
2027	January 14	Thursday
2028	January 14	Friday

Farheen Ashraf

Farheen Ashraf is a History graduate. She writes on a variety of topics, including business, entertainment, laws, poetry, stories, travel, and more. Her passion for writing has led her to explore a variety of genres.