Church of the Nativity, Bethelem (The star marks the place believed to be the actual site of Christ’s birth)

Orthodox Christmas is often known as the Feast of the Nativity, and coincides with Epiphany, which celebrates the arrival of the three wise men to witness the birth of Christ. It is observed by Armenians on 6 January and by Ethiopians, Russians and Ukrainians on 7 January.

In the fourth century CE, Pope Julius I set the date for Christmas to 25 December in order to provide continuity from year to year and in an effort to replace the festival of the pagan sun-god Mithras.
Although many of the Orthodox churches have celebrated Christmas in December since the middle of the fifth century, some chose to keep their festivities on the traditional date for Epiphany.

The Armenian church honours Jesus’ birth on January 6. After a mass there is a blessing of water; a cross is then dipped into the holy water to symbolise the baptism of Christ.

Ukranians wait for the appearance of the first star on Christmas Eve—in memory of the star of Bethlehem—before beginning supper. Mass is held before midnight and then again on Christmas morning.

Russian families have a special meatless dinner called the holy supper where a special type of porridge (kutya) is the main dish. The ingredients of the kutya are symbolic: grains for hope, and honey with poppy seeds for happiness and peace.

In Ethiopia, everyone goes to church on Christmas Eve wearing a new outfit. The service ends at midnight with the ringing of church bells, and a meal known as fata is eaten, consisting of bread, rice, garlic and boiled meat.

Read more about Christmas Eve and Christmas