For as long as Christmas has been celebrated in December by Roman Catholics, along with those who follow their beliefs, Greek, Russian, and other Eastern Orthodox churches hold it in January. This is what caused the split in the church. Could they have been right and the rest of Christendom should have followed their example rather than Rome? Are they harming their children by not following the lead of the Roman Catholic Church, like all other religions, in giving gifts in December?
2006-11-18 10:16:13 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Well, if Christmas is Christ's birthday, shouldn't it be sometime in April?
2006-11-18 10:18:36 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Actually, Christmas in the Eastern Orthodox religion is celebrated January SEVENTH. And, in Russia and other countries that celebrate the Russian Orthodox sector of Eastern Orthodoxy, the Eastern Orthodox day of Christmas is more symbolic than anything, and 25 December is observed and celebrated, as well. New Year's Eve is the big holiday in most countries nowadays, anyway. Chritmas has become overrated.
2006-11-18 10:28:13 · answer #2 · answered by Euralalya 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Christmas is the celebration of Christ's birthday. Easter is when Christ was resurrected after dying for everyone's sins. Two different Holly days. I am Christian, Greek orthodox and we have always celebrated this Holly day on December 25th. However, as far as giving gifts, the Greeks celebrated that on January the 1st. But today we all celebrate gift giving the same day that Christ was born. I'm not sure if the Greeks from Greece have maintained that tradition.
2006-11-18 10:30:03 · answer #3 · answered by SCORPIO 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well, it is not what caused the split. One follows the Julian calendar, which, proven by Pope Gregory (who imposed the Gregorian calendar, which we all follow) to be off by two weeks. They were not ostracized by the church, but allowed to think as they wanted. Not just Christmas, but all church holidays on the Julian calendar are off by about 2 weeks. It would be a good idea to amalgamate the two calendars, but the church so far, has not forced anyone to do that. Those who follow the Julian calendar do exchange gifts, but it is more a religious holiday (that is, a HOLY-day) than a commercialized day. Actually, for those who follow the Julian calendar, Epiphany has been the biggest holiday of all the religious events of the year.
2006-11-18 10:34:59 · answer #4 · answered by Shinigami 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Interesting. Isn't that Epiphany? The day the wise men reached Jesus, right? I think both the "date of birth" and the Epiphany sound like nice celebrations and I have been suggesting to those christians who feel that Christmas has become too commercial to celebrate Epiphany instead (or in addition) as the holy holiday. Sadly I am not getting enthusiastic responses because it would mean that people would have to use one of their personal days to take off and celebrate properly and that just doesn't seem to appeal to people (particularly after the time they got off for Christmas).
Peace!
2006-11-18 10:26:07 · answer #5 · answered by carole 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What Catholic church are you talking about? Actually the Church does not teach at ALL that the only way to heaven is through the Catholic Church. Buy a book perhaps? I'd start with the Cathecism of the Catholic Church. And the Catholic Church views the Orthodox church as "having the fullness of Truth" just as does itself. They view the other world religions as having "a piece of the Truth" meaning they have somethings right but not it all.
2016-05-22 01:37:33 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If Jesus really was born in December, the Three Wise Men and all the shepherds would have died of hypothermia travelling the desert at night to visit the baby in a manger in Bethlehem. That part of the world on December 25 is freezing cold......
Jesus was born on May 9th.
Google the name "Dr. Karl Kruzelnicki" and you'll see why.
2006-11-18 11:31:28 · answer #7 · answered by Flashy Ashley 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First let me start off by saying....
those of you who think it's April because "that's what Easter is for". WRONG! Easter is celebrating Christ's resurrection after His death. Not his birth. And as far as both Christmas and Easter are concerned. I'm sure there is some theory that went into choosing the dates, but they are just man-made holidays to celebrate these events. We can celebrate Jesus' birth and resurrection whenever we please. December 25th and Easter Sunday are just pagan holidays set on a certain date to make money. Not saying that I don't fully support them and take pleasure in them, but it's a money maker, there is no historical (or biblical) fact behind the chosen dates.
2006-11-18 10:31:09 · answer #8 · answered by J J 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No right answer. No wrong answer. Christians are not commanded to celebrate the birth of Christ. We do, however, and join with the angels, wise men and shepherds in celebration of that epoch event.
When was Jesus born? Actually he was born on September 17, 6 BC. :-) But, then, the date is unimportant. The event, however, is!!!
2006-11-18 10:30:19 · answer #9 · answered by mediocritis 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No there not wrong you can celebrate christmas when ever you wnat. Christ was actually born in April that is what easter is for. It is never wrong to celebrate Christmas when ever it is just good because ever body is kinder than usuall .
2006-11-18 10:19:56 · answer #10 · answered by firelizard 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hey - how about this - Should Christmas be celebrated? Have you done research into the beginnings of Christmas celebration? It's not exactly Biblical to begin with.
2006-11-18 10:19:54 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋