Orthodox Christmas in Palestine is celebrated with great reverence by the Palestinian Christian community. This holiday, observed annually on January 7, is a reflection of the Julian calendar adopted by the Orthodox Christian Church as opposed to the widely accepted Gregorian calendar which observes Christmas on December 25. The preparation for this eminent holiday begins forty days prior, during the period of Advent when devout Christians observe a period of fasting and spiritual expectation for the coming of the Messiah.
During Orthodox Christmas in Palestine, the city of Bethlehem -- considered as the birthplace of Jesus Christ -- becomes the center of the celebration. This historic place witnesses pilgrims from around the world, specifically from Orthodox Christian countries like Russia and Greece. A midnight mass on Christmas Eve at the Church of Nativity, rumored to be built over the site where Jesus was born, is one of the significant rituals. The celebrations are not limited to religious rites but extend to cultural expressions that include feasting and merrymaking.
Orthodox Christmas in Palestine is not only a religious celebration but also a sociocultural event. It is an occasion that fortifies the communal bond among Palestinian Christians. During this time, families gather and various traditional foods are prepared, such as the “kibbeh” which is a dish made of burghul, minced onions, and finely ground lean beef. Moreover, it is also a time of offering, comfort and support for the less privileged, fulfilling the true spirit of the holiday.