How do Egypt’s Christians celebrate Christmas?
Why celebrate on January 7
Orthodox Christians traditionally celebrate Christmas on January 7. This date falls close to two weeks after the Gregorian calendar’s December 25 celebration, as Orthodox Christians follow the Julian calendar.
Who are Orthodox Christians?
The Orthodox Church is the third-largest branch of Christianity, with an estimated 225 to 300 million followers worldwide. Today, Orthodox Christianity is the largest Christian tradition in the Middle East, with communities in Egypt, Cyprus, and Syria. However, the percentage of Orthodox Christians in the region has decreased significantly due to emigration caused by persecution and conflict.
The Catholic and Orthodox Churches had their most significant split in 1054 in what is called the Great Schism over several theological disagreements, including papal authority. In the 16th century, the Catholic Church split again during the Protestant movement in Europe due to disputes regarding authority, sacraments, and others.
Egypt’s Christians
Egypt’s Christians, known as the Coptic community, are one of the oldest Christian traditions in the world. They originated in Egypt and embraced Christianity within a few decades of Christ’s death.
Copts are estimated to comprise 10% of Egypt’s population and, at 10 million, constitute the largest Christian community in the Middle East.
Coptic Roots
Though accounts differ, Saint Mark evangelized in Egypt around 44 AD.
By the 4th century, most Copts converted to Christianity, which defined Egypt until the rise of Islam in the 7th century.
The modern use of “Coptic” describes Egyptian Christians and the last stage of the ancient Egyptian language script.
Fasting for Christmas
Copts celebrate forty-three days leading up to Christmas, including a fast from any foods that come from animals, to reflect Moses’ 40-day fast before receiving the Ten Commandments.
The additional three days of fasting reflect the miracle of the Moving of the Mountain around 900 AD. An Egyptian Caliph threatened to kill all Copts if they failed to move Egypt’s Muqattam Mountain. The entire Coptic community prayed and fasted for three days in hopes that a miracle would occur – and it did.
According to tradition, God answered their prayers, and the mountain lifted itself off the ground and shook, saving the Coptic community.
Christmas Traditions
Coptic Christmas celebrations include a church service that continues until midnight, after which individuals share bread called “qurban” marked with 12 dots to symbolize the 12 apostles.
After the service, Copts share an “agape” feast to mark the completion of their fast. They also distribute food to those in need and exchange gifts and food.
On the Feast of Nativity, the pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church in Alexandria delivers a spiritual message to Coptic churches worldwide.
Celebrating Today
Today is a day of profound celebration and reflection on the beauty of this season for Copts and Orthodox Christians worldwide as we hail the arrival of Christ the Redeemer.
Merry Christmas, Pikhristos avmacf!
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