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Why do Copts celebrate Christmas on January 7th & Armenians on January 6th?

Alexrus77Alexrus77
edited December 1969 in Coptic Orthodox Church
Please, can anybody clarify me why do Copts celebrate Christmas on January 7th & Armenians on January 6th?
They are sister-churches. But why is this difference? Thank you.

Comments

  • qawe
    The Armenians follow the New (Gregorian) Calendar.  However, they celebrate Christmas on the same day as Epiphany (Theophany), that is Jan 6 in the New Calendar.

    The Copts follow thw Old (Julian) Calendar.  We celebrate Christmas 17 days before Epiphany (as Catholics, Eastern Orthodox do).  Hence, 7 Jan.

    Actually, the most ancient tradition is the Armenian one - that Christmas is celebrated on the same day as Epiphany.

    The Oriental Orthodox Communion, unlike the Eastern Orthodox (which is dominated by the Byzantine rite), is diverse in its rites, traditions and customs (even scriptural canon), but one in matters of doctrine.
  • mark.naguib7
    [quote author=qawe link=topic=14106.msg162464#msg162464 date=1357483657]
    Actually, the most ancient tradition is the Armenian one - that Christmas is celebrated on the same day as Epiphany.


    If this is the most ancient tradition, then why did the Coptic Church along with the other churches deviate from that?
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