Orthodox New Year

Orthodox New Year History

Orthodox New Year, also known as the Old New Year, is a celebration that aligns with the start of the Julian calendar. This observance retains its cultural importance among many Orthodox communities, representing both religious significance and a valuable tie to historical and cultural heritage.

While the Orthodox New Year's history dates back to Roman times, its observance in Canada is linked to the waves of Orthodox Christian immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, coming mainly from Eastern European countries like Ukraine and Russia. Even today, many Canadians with Orthodox Christian heritage observe this day as a symbol of tradition and remembrance. Besides the religious aspect, Orthodox New Year celebrations in Canada also play a considerable role in preserving cultural heritage, featuring traditional foods, music, and dance from the countries of origin.

In Canada, the Orthodox New Year is typically observed on January 14th, according to the Gregorian calendar. On this day, many Orthodox Christian parishes hold special services. While religious observances are key to this day, so too are festive events within the broader community. Canadians of Eastern European descent often gather with friends and family, sharing traditional meals, exchanging gifts, and recounting stories of the motherland. These celebrations offer an opportunity for cultural expression, fostering a sense of unity among Canadian Orthodox communities.

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.
• Some of the oldest and most prominent Orthodox churches in Canada include the Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church in Toronto, established in 1916, and St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Vancouver, founded in 1956.
• Traditional dishes served during Orthodox New Year can vary among the different communities, but some common foods include pita bread, roast pork, cabbage rolls, and desserts like baklava and halva.

In the News and Trending in Canada for Orthodox New Year

Top things to do in Canada 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.
• Some movies to watch about Orthodox New Year in Canada are:
  The Orthodox Church: A Visual Journey - Although not specifically focused on New Year or Canada, it gives a great insight into Orthodox Christianity.
  Russia's Hooligan Army - This documentary shows how Orthodox Christianity is practiced in Russia, including the celebration of holidays.
  The Greatest Saint You've Never Heard Of: St. Nikolai Velimirovic - gives a view of the origins of Orthodox Christianity.
  Becoming Truly Human - A documentary on the lives of several orthodox Christians living in America.
  Mysteries of the Jesus Prayer - A movie about Orthodox monks, hermits and nuns in prayer, it could offer a broader understanding of the faith and its holidays.
• Popular events you can attent on Orthodox New Year in Canada are:
  1) Abundantia Celebration: This event celebrates the Orthodox New Year with spirituality, yoga, music, dance, and vegan cuisine in one festive gathering.
  2) Russian Ball in Toronto: This well-established event is attended by members of the Russian community in Toronto. The ball usually involves a live orchestra, traditional food and drink, dancing, and sometimes performances.
  3) Vasilopita Cutting: Many churches in Canada hold a tradition called "Vasilopita Cutting", honoring St. Basil the Great. This Greek tradition involves a special bread with a coin hidden inside. The person who finds the coin in their piece is considered particularly blessed for the year.