Tengrinews.kz - Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas Eve - the day before Christmas, filled with special traditions and spiritual mood. Festive services are held in the churches of Kazakhstan on this day. How it is customary to spend Christmas Eve, what customs are observed and what believers are advised to refrain from, according to Kursiv.
Christmas Eve precedes the Nativity of Christ and is celebrated by Orthodox Christians on January 6, and by Catholics and Protestants on December 24. The difference in dates is explained by the differences between the old and new style calendars. There are traditional prohibitions and recommendations on Christmas Eve based on religious and folk customs.
What you should not do
Strain yourself: It is recommended to complete all physical work before January 6 or leave it for another day.
Make noise: Christmas Eve is a time of silence dedicated to prayers and reflection, so noisy feasts are not welcome on this day.
Quarrel: Avoid aggression and scandals, and refrain from condemnation.
Refuse to help: On this day, you need to take care of your loved ones and relatives, as well as help others.
In addition, on Christmas Eve it is not recommended to: do handicrafts, since, according to folk signs, this can confuse fate and attract misfortune; resort to fortune telling, as it is not approved by the church; break the strict fast, which requires abstaining from meat, dairy products and alcohol until sunset.
What can be done
Spiritual preparation: It is recommended to visit the temple and pray.
Spend time with loved ones: On this day, you can do creative work together, decorate your home, remember your family past and traditions.
Prepare dishes for the holiday: For example, kutia, Lenten borscht, vareniki, dried fruit compote.
Sum up the year: Christmas Eve is considered a good time to analyze your actions and thoughts. And also for plans for the coming year.
Author - Nuray Kapen
Orthodox Christmas 2025 - where and when services will be held in Kazakhstan
Metropolitan of Astana and Kazakhstan Alexander told where and when the services in honor of Orthodox Christmas will be held in Kazakhstan. According to him, the services in Astana and other churches of Kazakhstan will begin on the night of January 7, or more precisely, on January 6 at 11 PM.
