V
Volodymyr
Guest
Some may be interested in Orthodox Christmas celebration. Prodromos may perhaps tell what happens in Greece.
Filipovka fast is not such severe fast but is broken by New Years celebrations which are large National Feast and visit of Father Frost. Some are opposed to this only giving presents on Feast of St. Nikolai. But others like I do - believe we must be part of society and culture and share the celebrations of our country, which include many New Years customs including decorated pine trees, and some drinking and congratulating.
Christmas comes after New Year. On solchelnik (day before Christmas) is prepared a special meal of 12 dishes including Borsch, Vereniki, kasha, etc. but most important is sweet wheat kasha (called kut’ja кутья), This is eaten late evening with extra place for Christ or other visitor. Father of house eats kasha first then mother, then all.
Next day attend Divine Liturgy and go to greet others with birth of Christ. Often have a more sumptuous meal on this day after Liturgy. Sing Koljadi from houses and celebrate like this until January 19 or feast of Iordan (Theophany in Greek). This is major feast with blessing of waters and different kasha.
Filipovka fast is not such severe fast but is broken by New Years celebrations which are large National Feast and visit of Father Frost. Some are opposed to this only giving presents on Feast of St. Nikolai. But others like I do - believe we must be part of society and culture and share the celebrations of our country, which include many New Years customs including decorated pine trees, and some drinking and congratulating.
Christmas comes after New Year. On solchelnik (day before Christmas) is prepared a special meal of 12 dishes including Borsch, Vereniki, kasha, etc. but most important is sweet wheat kasha (called kut’ja кутья), This is eaten late evening with extra place for Christ or other visitor. Father of house eats kasha first then mother, then all.
Next day attend Divine Liturgy and go to greet others with birth of Christ. Often have a more sumptuous meal on this day after Liturgy. Sing Koljadi from houses and celebrate like this until January 19 or feast of Iordan (Theophany in Greek). This is major feast with blessing of waters and different kasha.