Orthodox Christmas Day 2026 in Australia

Orthodox Christmas Day is observed on 7 January by Eastern Orthodox Christian communities in Australia, following the Julian calendar. It is a sacred day marked by church services, family gatherings, and traditional meals.

Orthodox Christmas Day: A Public Holiday?

Orthodox Christmas Day is not a public holiday in Australia, observed on 7 January by various Eastern Orthodox communities, while businesses, schools, and offices generally remain open as usual.

Orthodox Christmas Day

Orthodox Christmas Day is celebrated on 7 January by many Eastern Orthodox Christians, including Serbians, Russians, Macedonians, Ukrainians, and others who follow the Julian calendar. This date differs from the widely celebrated 25 December Christmas due to differences between the Julian calendar and Gregorian calendar. The Julian calendar is still used by some Orthodox churches for religious celebrations.

In Australia, the tradition of celebrating Orthodox Christmas was brought by immigrants from Eastern Europe and the Middle East during the 20th century. As these communities settled across the country, especially in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, they built churches and cultural centers to continue their faith and customs. While it is not a national public holiday, Orthodox Christmas remains a deeply important religious event for these communities, helping preserve cultural identity and spiritual connection across generations.

Observance of Orthodox Christmas Day in Australia

Orthodox Christmas Day in Australia is a special time for Eastern Orthodox communities to come together in faith and tradition. The celebration begins on Christmas Eve, 6 January, with a church service that often includes readings, prayers, and hymns. Many attend midnight liturgies to welcome the birth of Jesus Christ. The services are often long and deeply spiritual, with candles, incense, and chants creating a peaceful, reverent atmosphere.

After church, families gather at home to share a festive meal. Fasting is usually observed in the lead-up to Christmas, so the Christmas Day meal is especially joyful. Traditional foods vary between cultures but often include baked meats, fish, bread, and desserts. Serbian families might serve roast pork, while Russians may prepare dishes like borscht and piroshki. These meals are not just about food—they bring people together and keep cultural traditions alive in a new country.

Although Orthodox Christmas is not a public holiday in Australia, it holds deep meaning for those who celebrate it. It is a time to focus on faith, family, and community. For younger generations born in Australia, it is also a way to stay connected to their roots. Churches play an important role in helping communities maintain their identity, offering both religious guidance and cultural support. Orthodox Christmas is more than a celebration—it is a bridge between past and present, culture and country.

Orthodox Christmas Day Observances