Orthodox New Year

Orthodox New Year Quick Facts - AU

AKA NameOld New Year, Serbian New Year
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2024 Date14 January 2024
2025 Date14 January 2025

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Orthodox New Year

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The Orthodox New Year, also known as the Old New Year, celebrates the start of the new calendar year as per Julian Calendar. It is observed by Orthodox Christians who uphold traditions that predate the Gregorian calendar, currently widely used. This observance holds significance as a religious and cultural event, often marked by prayer, feasting, and a traditional meal known as the Holy Supper. Filled with deep spiritual meaning, it serves as a renewal of faith, allowing practitioners to reaffirm their Orthodox beliefs and traditions.

The Orthodox New Year falls on January 14th as per the Gregorian calendar. The difference in date is due to the fact that the Julian calendar, introduced by Julius Caesar in 46 BC, is 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar instituted by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582. In Australia, the Orthodox New Year is most recognized by the Serbian, Russian, and other Slavic communities. The diverse Orthodox Christian population in the country reflects an enrichment of the national culture and provides an opportunity for sharing and understanding different traditions and values.

In Australia, the Orthodox New Year is observed with various local traditions reflecting the diverse origins of the Orthodox Christians in the country. Many Orthodox Christian faithful attend church services on this day. Feasts and celebrations are held where traditional cuisine and music play an important role. In parts of Australia, the day is marked by the Blessing of the Waters, a Christian ceremony symbolizing the baptism of Jesus Christ. Regardless of the differing traditions, it is a day of unity and remembrance for those commemorating, occurring annually on January 14th, providing an opportunity for Orthodox Christians in Australia to connect with their roots and maintain traditions.

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Facts about Orthodox New Year

  • Orthodox Serbians also celebrate Old New Year, which is sometimes called the Serbian New Year. Many Orthodox Serbian churches hold services, followed by dinner, and dancing.
  • Although the Old New Year is a popular holiday for many practicing the Orthodox faith, it is not an official holiday.
  • The Julian calendar, which is about 13 days behind the modern Gregorian calendar, was introduced by Julius Caesar in 45 BCE. Many Orthodox Christian churches continue to use the Julian calendar for religious purposes, even though the majority of the world has adopted the Gregorian calendar for civil use.
  • The first Greek Orthodox churches were established in the early 20th century, and Serbian Orthodox churches were established in the mid-20th century. Communities in Melbourne and Sydney, in particular, observe Orthodox New Year with various services and gatherings.

Top things to do in Australia for Orthodox New Year's Day

  • Learn to cook some Russian or Eastern European dishes. One of the most important Russian dishes during the holiday season is kutya, a porridge made of grain, honey and poppy seeds. It symbolizes hope, happiness, and success.
  • Food dishes to make for the occasion of Orthodox New Year in Australia are:
    1) Moussaka: This traditional dish made from eggplant or potato and minced meat is a great hearty meal to serve.
    2) Sarmale: A popular dish in several Orthodox countries, sarmale are stuffed cabbage rolls filled with ground meat, rice, and spices.
    3) Russian Salad: Sometimes referred to as Olivier Salad, this dish is often served during New Year celebrations. It usually contains potatoes, dill pickles, peas, eggs, carrots, and some kind of meat.
    4) Paklava: A sweet dessert made from layers of filo pastry, chopped nuts, sweetener like honey, and sometimes spices like cinnamon.
    5) Medovik Cake: This is a classic Russian cake made with honey and condensed milk. It's popular in Orthodox culture and can be a unique and tasty dessert for the celebration.
  • Events that usually occur on Orthodox New Year in Australia are:
    1) Festive Services: Religious services are held in Orthodox churches across the country. Some of these services may include a midnight liturgy, followed by the ringing of church bells to signify the New Year.
    2) Firework Displays: In some cities like Melbourne and Sydney, fireworks are set off at midnight to usher in the Orthodox New Year.
    3) Public Parades: In areas with a large Orthodox Christian population, there may be public parades to commemorate the New Year.

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