Christmas has an interesting history in Russia. After the 1917 Revolution, Christmas was banned throughout Russia, along with other religious celebrations. It wasn't until 75 years later, in 1992, that the holiday was openly observed. Today, it's once again celebrated in grand fashion, with the faithful participating in an all-night Mass in incense-filled cathedrals and churches.
Christmas in Russia is celebrated on January 7th in accordance with the old Julian calendar. A 40 day Nativity Fast (no meat, no dairy, no sweets) accompanies the preparation for this joyous event. On the Eve of Christmas, it is traditional for all family members to gather to share a special meal to honor the coming of Christ. However, the festivities only begin with the first star appearing in the sky. A lot of the kids from the orphanages go to the Christmas Liturgy service at an Orthodox church on the morning of the 7th. In preparation for Christmas disciplers do a lot of lessons with the kids focused on the meaning and significance of Christmas.
To say “Merry Christmas” in Russian you say “S Rozhdestvom!”
So, we will be feasting in our home next week, in honor of our Russian friends. Please remember the children of Sovietsk this week, when the loss of family can feel especially painful. If you haven't already, you could send a letter. You could donate to keep them warm (see Sock and Glove Drive on the right). You could become a sponsor, the person who sees that he or she is not forgotten. You can pray for their hearts to be warm and light with the love of Christmas Day.
S Rozhdestvom to you and yours!
If you turn your volume up, you will hear Rachmaninoff's Bogoroditse Dievo, a Russian Ave Maria from his Choral Vespers.
Photo Credit: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/39/83066493_d1232b9371.jpg?v=0
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