HAPPY NEW YEAR and CHRISTMAS!

Millions of Christians celebrate Christmas every year. The main difference between Orthodox and Catholic Christmas is the date. There used to be only the Julian calendar. It was introduced in 46 BC, but in 1582 Pope Gregory XIII reformed it to ensure it corresponded to astronomical time. Thus, the Gregorian calendar appeared, to which Catholics and Protestants gradually began to switch. The difference between the calendars is 13 days, so some celebrate Christmas on December 25, while others celebrate it on January 7. For Catholics, Protestants, and even some Orthodox Christians, Christmas takes place on the night of December 25, and on January 7. is celebrated not only in Russia, but also in Georgian, Jerusalem and Serbian Orthodox churches. Armenians are the only Christians in the world who celebrate Christmas and Baptism on the same day, January 6. The Christmas of Christ in Armenia begins on January 5 at 17:00 and lasts until midnight. On Christmas Day (January 5) in the evening, a Christmas service is held, which is called "Candlelight". On this day, believers light a candle in the church and bring the Christmas light to the house. It symbolizes the light of the star of Bethlehem, which showed the Magi to The road leading to the baby Christ. On the morning of January 6, the Blessing of the Water ceremony takes place in the Armenian Apostolic Church. Believers take this water home because they believe it is miraculous. Blessed is the revelation of Christ." The next day, in the morning, everyone gathers with their families for the Christmas service and Holy Communion. Christmas is a family holiday in Armenia, which gathers relatives and friends around a festive table, and fish is traditionally served. They also prepare sweet rice pilaf with dried apricots and raisins, green dishes, as well as traditional Armenian gata. And, of course, red wine, which is a must. Each of these dishes has its purpose. Rice symbolizes people on Earth. Raisins and dried apricots are symbols of Christians since ancient times. Red wine symbolizes the blood of Jesus Christ. And the round traditional sweet Gatha is divided into 12 parts, symbolizing the 12 months of the year HAPPY NEW YEAR and CHRISTMAS!