Millions of Christians around the world, particularly those in Eastern Europe and parts of the Arab world, observed Christmas on January 7, marking the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem. This date is significant for approximately 250 million people who adhere to the Julian calendar, as opposed to the Gregorian calendar used by many Western Christian denominations.

The divergence in Christmas dates stems from a calendar reform initiated in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII. The Gregorian calendar was introduced to correct inaccuracies in the Julian calendar, which had been in use since 45 BC. While the Catholic Church and many Protestant denominations adopted the Gregorian calendar, some Orthodox churches, including the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, retained the Julian calendar.

According to Al Jazeera, the reason for celebrating Christmas on January 7 is not due to a belief that Jesus was born on a different day, but rather a consequence of following a different calendar. The 13-day difference between the two calendars results in Christmas falling on January 7 of the Gregorian calendar for those who continue to use the Julian calendar.

In Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, celebrations took place with a mix of solemnity and hope. In Gaza, Archbishop Alexios of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate led an Orthodox Christmas Mass at the Saint Porphyrius Church, amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The service offered a moment of spiritual solace for the community, highlighting the enduring importance of faith during times of hardship.

The use of different calendars reflects the complex history and diverse traditions within Christianity. While the Gregorian calendar has become the international standard for civil purposes, the Julian calendar remains an important part of the religious and cultural identity for many Orthodox Christians. The continued observance of Christmas on January 7 serves as a reminder of the rich tapestry of Christian traditions around the world.