Millions of Christians around the world, particularly in Eastern Europe and parts of the Arab world, including Palestine and Egypt, observed Christmas on January 7. This date, observed by approximately 250 million people, marks the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem for those following the Julian calendar.

The divergence in Christmas celebrations stems from a historical calendar reform. In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII decreed that the Catholic Church would adopt a new calendar, known as the Gregorian calendar. This calendar aimed to correct inaccuracies in the Julian calendar, which had been in use since 45 BC.

However, not all Christian communities embraced the Gregorian calendar. Many Orthodox churches, for example, continued to adhere to the Julian calendar. As a result, religious holidays, including Christmas, shifted by several days when translated to the Gregorian calendar. This is why, while many celebrate Christmas on December 25th according to the Gregorian calendar, others celebrate on January 7th, which corresponds to December 25th on the Julian calendar.

The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate Archbishop Alexios attended an Orthodox Christmas Mass at the Greek Orthodox Saint Porphyrius Church in Gaza on January 7, 2025, as reported by Reuters. The service took place amidst the ongoing conflict in the region, highlighting the enduring importance of faith and tradition even in times of hardship.

The continued observance of Christmas on January 7 is not indicative of a belief that Jesus was born on a different day, but rather a reflection of differing traditions and calendar systems within the Christian faith. It underscores the rich diversity of Christian practices and the enduring legacy of historical and cultural factors that shape religious observances around the world.