Orthodox and Coptic Christians don’t believe Jesus was born on a different day; they just use a different calendar. Christmas Day commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, who was born in Bethlehem. The reason some Christians celebrate Christmas on January 7 is not because they believe Jesus was born on a different day, but because they are using a different calendar. The remaining 250-300 million Christians, primarily Orthodox and Coptic denominations, celebrate Christmas on January 7, which is also known as Old Christmas Day. These names were preserved when the Roman calendar evolved into the Julian calendar and later the Gregorian calendar, which is used today.

Source: Ethiopian News January 07, 2026 21:54 UTC