The Orthodox world lives by the Julian calendar. Today is the celebration of Christmas Eve. This day marks the end of Pylypivskyy, Christmas fasting. There should be 12 dishes on the table today without meat or milk – in honor of the *12 Apostles. Kutya and stewed fruit should be there without fail.
Just right after the first star pops into view in the evening sky, people wander outside visiting homes of their friends, relatives , neighbors singing Christmas carols and wishing them Merry Christmas. In the evening at the churches divine services will begin to commemorate the great event.
It truly is a time of peace and joy on this side of the world. I hope no one disturbs that peace for a long time to come. From what I understand they do not give gifts at Christmas, that part is already over and done by Father Frost at the New Year celebrations. Christmas is for God…
So today and tonight as you wonder what is going on in the world. Think about the Orthodox Christmas and give a prayer for a Christmas in a different flair from what you are use to…
I do…
Merry Christmas!
Kyle and Sveta
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* Information from Wikipedia: “Traditionally, the Twelve Apostles include Peter (whom some denominations consider the “Prince of the Apostles”); Andrew, James the Greater, James the Lesser, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, Thaddeus, Simon, and Judas Iscariot. Judas had been one of the Twelve, but he betrayed Jesus and killed himself. With Judas gone, Matthias became one of the Twelve.”
Tags: 12 apostles, christmas in russia, divine services, orthodox christmas, orthodox world, singing christmas carols
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