All Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, most Ukrainian Evangelical Christians and Jerusalem, Russian, Serbian, Georgian Orthodox Churches celebrate Christmas on the night of 6 to 7 January. This day is an official state holiday in Ukraine.

According to the gospel, Jesus Christ was born during the reign of Emperor Augustus in the Judean town of Bethlehem in the family of Joseph the carpenter, the betrothed of Nazareth and Mary(the Theotokos and ever-virgin), who came to Bethlehem to participate in the census (LK. 2:1,2). Not finding a place to sleep, the family was forced to spend the night in the cave, which was used as a barn to shelter livestock from the elements. During the birth of Christ above the cave came the star of Bethlehem, which indicated about this event three Magi (wise men, kings). First came to worship Christ, the shepherds who about this event heralded the angel, then the Magi. The Magi brought to the Christ of the Royal gifts - gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

King of Judea Herod, who had heard the news of the birth of a new king, and commanded to kill all children under the age of 2 years. Joseph, an angel appeared and warned about the danger. Therefore, the family of Joseph was forced to flee to Egypt until the death of Herod.

Reliable date of Christ's birth is unknown. Scripture does not indicate neither the day nor the year when Christ was born. The logic laid in the Foundation of our era, was made in 525 year, a Roman monk, papal archivist Dionysius the Small, which was guided by Chronographical collection for 354 year. Later researchers discovered that this date is incorrect: Christ was born on 5 or 6 years earlier, between 748 and 749 year Roman chronology, as indicated by astronomical calculations, which took into account also the mention of the Eclipse of the moon, what do contemporary historians. This date is confirmed by other historical estimates.

The decision to celebrate Christmas on December 25 was made at Ephesus (Third Ecumenical) Church Council in the year 431.

A crucial role in implementing a separate feast of the Nativity on the East played three Fathers of the Eastern Church: saints Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom. Under the influence of St. Gregory the Theologian this feast was introduced in Constantinople. In Jerusalem, Christmas was celebrated together with the Epiphany until 634, In the fourth century, Saint Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine the Great, built in Bethlehem temple in honor of the Nativity.

In Ukraine, Eastern rite Christians celebrate Christmas on January 7, according to the Julian calendar falls on December 25 - the official date of the birth of Jesus. An important part of celebrating Christmas in Ukraine Christmas carols, which glorifies the newborn Christ. Carolers go from house to house, proclaiming the good news - the birth of a child of God. In all the churches festive Christmas Liturgies are celebrated. At the festive table the whole family, welcoming words: "Christ is Born! Praise him!"

Source: www.risu.org.ua