Last Updated: January 7, 2026
Today is Orthodox Christmas—January 7, 2026—when Ottawa’s Serbian, Russian, Coptic, Ethiopian, and some Ukrainian Orthodox communities gather for Divine Liturgy to celebrate the Nativity of Christ according to the Julian calendar.
While many Ottawa churches celebrated Christmas on December 25, a vibrant segment of the city’s Christian population observes the Nativity today. The proper greeting is “Christ is Born!” (Hristos se Rodi in Serbian, Chrystos Rozhdayetsia in Ukrainian, or S Rozhdyestvom Khristovym in Russian). The response: “Glorify Him!” Whether you’re Orthodox, curious about attending a service, or looking for traditional foods like kutya and pyrizhky, this guide covers everything you need to know about Orthodox Christmas in Ottawa.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Orthodox Christmas on January 7 follows the Julian calendar (13 days behind Gregorian). Ottawa has Serbian, Russian, Coptic, and OCA Orthodox churches holding services today. Traditional celebrations include a 12-dish meatless Holy Supper (Svyata Vecherya), kutya (wheat berry dish), and the Badnjak (Yule log) ceremony. Visitors are welcome at most services.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Date | Wednesday, January 7, 2026 |
| 🏛️ Churches Celebrating | Serbian, Russian, Coptic, Ethiopian, OCA |
| ⏰ Typical Service Time | Divine Liturgy 9:30-10:00 AM |
| 🎉 Key Traditions | 12 meatless dishes, kutya, Badnjak ceremony |
| 📍 Serbian Church | St. Stefan, 1989 Prince of Wales Dr |
| 📍 Russian Church | Protection of the Holy Virgin, 99 Stonehurst Ave |
Why January 7? The Calendar Difference
Orthodox churches following the Julian calendar celebrate Christmas 13 days after the Gregorian December 25
The difference comes down to which calendar is used to calculate religious holidays.
Julian Calendar (Old Calendar): Introduced by Julius Caesar in 45 BC, this calendar is currently 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar. December 25 on the Julian calendar falls on January 7 on the modern Gregorian calendar.
Gregorian Calendar (New Calendar): Introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582, this is the calendar used by most of the Western world. Some Orthodox churches (Greek, Antiochian, Romanian) have adopted the Revised Julian calendar for fixed feasts like Christmas, so they celebrate on December 25.
Who Celebrates Today in Ottawa?
January 7 (Julian Calendar):
- Serbian Orthodox Church
- Russian Orthodox Church (ROCOR)
- Coptic Orthodox Church
- Ethiopian Orthodox Church
- Orthodox Church in America (OCA) parishes following Old Calendar
- Some traditional Ukrainian Orthodox parishes
December 25 (Revised Julian/Gregorian):
- Greek Orthodox Church (Hellenic Community)
- Antiochian Orthodox Church (St. Elias Cathedral)
- Romanian Orthodox Church
- Most Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada parishes (since Ukraine’s 2023 calendar change)
Orthodox Churches in Ottawa: January 7 Services
Orthodox churches feature elaborate iconostases separating the nave from the altar
St. Stefan Serbian Orthodox Church
The heart of Ottawa’s Serbian Christmas celebration, featuring the traditional Badnjak (Yule log) ceremony on Christmas Eve.
Address: 1989 Prince of Wales Dr, Nepean, ON K2C 3J7
2026 Service Schedule:
- January 6 (Eve): Badnjak blessing and burning ceremony, followed by Vigil (typically 7:00 PM)
- January 7 (Today): Divine Liturgy at 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM
Note: The Badnjak tree burning on Christmas Eve is a major community event, often drawing hundreds of people outdoors. Check the St. Stefan Facebook page for confirmation of times.
Protection of the Holy Virgin Memorial Church (Russian Orthodox)
A multicultural parish under the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, comprising Russian, Serbian, Bulgarian, Romanian, and Greek Orthodox Christians along with Canadian converts.
Address: 99 Stonehurst Ave, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4R6 (Mechanicsville)
2026 Service Schedule:
- January 7 (Today): Divine Liturgy at 9:30 AM or 10:00 AM
- Regular weekly services: Vigil every Saturday at 6:00 PM, Divine Liturgy every Sunday at 9:30 AM
Etiquette Note: Headscarves for women are customary in this parish.
Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church (OCA)
A multicultural parish following the Old Calendar under the Orthodox Church in America.
Address: 721 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K1R 6P7
2026 Service Schedule:
- January 6 (Eve): Great Compline at 8:00 PM
- January 7 (Today): Divine Liturgy at 10:00 AM
This welcoming parish includes members from various Orthodox backgrounds and converts to Orthodoxy. Services are primarily in English with some Slavonic.
Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral of the Assumption
Address: 1000 Byron Ave, Ottawa, ON K2A 0J3
Status: This parish officially moved to the Revised Julian calendar in 2023 (celebrating December 25), following Ukraine’s national decision to distance from the Russian calendar. However, some parishes hold a “traditional” liturgy on January 7 for parishioners who prefer the Old Calendar. Contact the parish to confirm any January 7 services.
Upcoming Event: Malanka (Ukrainian New Year) charity gala is scheduled for January 17, 2026 at the cathedral.
Coptic Orthodox Churches
Coptic Christmas follows its own calendar tradition, with celebrations typically peaking on Christmas Eve (January 6) with a late-night liturgy ending after midnight.
St. Mary Coptic Orthodox Church:
- Address: 1 Canfield Rd, Nepean
- Christmas Eve Liturgy: January 6, evening service through midnight
St. Mark & St. Mary of Egypt Coptic Orthodox Church:
- Address: 555 Parkdale Ave
- Sunday Liturgy: 7:45 AM - 11:15 AM
St. George & St. Anthony Coptic Orthodox Church:
- Livestreams services on YouTube
Traditional Orthodox Christmas Customs
The Holy Supper features 12 meatless dishes representing the 12 Apostles
The Holy Supper (Svyata Vecherya / Badnje Veče)
Held on Christmas Eve (January 6), this ceremonial meal concludes the 40-day Nativity Fast. The meal is entirely meatless and dairy-free, representing the fasting discipline before the feast.
The 12 Dishes Tradition: Ukrainian and other Slavic traditions feature 12 meatless dishes representing the 12 Apostles. Common dishes include:
- Kutya (Kutia): The centrepiece—boiled wheat berries with poppy seeds, honey, and nuts, symbolizing unity and remembrance of ancestors
- Borshch: Beet soup made with dried mushrooms (no meat)
- Varenyky (Pierogies): Stuffed with potato, sauerkraut, or mushrooms
- Fish dishes: Herring, carp, or other fish preparations
- Uzvar: A dried fruit compote drink
- Holubtsi: Cabbage rolls with rice or buckwheat filling
The Badnjak (Serbian Tradition): Serbian families ceremonially burn an oak branch (Badnjak) on Christmas Eve. In Ottawa, St. Stefan Serbian Orthodox Church holds a community Badnjak ceremony with prayers, songs, and fellowship.
Česnica Bread: A Serbian round loaf baked with a coin hidden inside—whoever finds the coin is believed to have good luck for the year.
The Nativity Fast
Orthodox Christians traditionally fast for 40 days before Christmas (November 28 - January 6). The fast excludes meat, dairy, eggs, and sometimes fish and oil, depending on the day. This discipline prepares believers spiritually and physically for the feast.
Christmas Carols (Koliadky)
Ukrainian carolers (koliadnyky) traditionally go from house to house singing carols and collecting treats or donations. In Ottawa, community groups sometimes organize caroling events at churches or cultural centres.
Where to Buy Traditional Foods in Ottawa
Ottawa’s European delis stock traditional ingredients for Orthodox Christmas meals
If you’re preparing a traditional Holy Supper or looking for Orthodox Christmas foods, these Ottawa shops carry the essentials:
| Store | Specialties | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Duke Fine Foods | Ukrainian/Russian imports, prepared salads, fish, cakes | 1970 Merivale Rd |
| Lakomka International Deli | Russian/Eastern European staples—caviar, herring, chocolates, rye bread | 1127 Baxter Rd |
| European Delicatessen | German/Hungarian roots, poppy seed rolls, marzipan, holiday treats | 1568 Merivale Rd |
| Wedel – Touch of Europe | Polish/European pastries, pierogi, holiday chocolates | ByWard Market & Westboro |
| Ottawa Bagelshop and Deli | European pantry staples, traditional breads | 1321 Wellington St W |
Key Ingredients to Look For:
- Wheat berries (for kutya)
- Poppy seeds (for kutya and poppy seed rolls)
- Dried mushrooms (for borshch and varenyky)
- Herring and smoked fish
- Buckwheat and sauerkraut
- Uzvar fruit mix (dried apples, pears, plums)
Tips for Non-Orthodox Visitors
Orthodox services involve extended standing; pews are less common in traditional churches
Curious about attending an Orthodox Christmas service? Here’s what to expect:
Service Format
Stand up: Pews are less common in traditional Orthodox churches. Expect to stand for most of the 1.5-2 hour service. Some parishes have benches along the walls for those who need to sit.
Language: Services may be in Church Slavonic, Greek, Arabic, or English depending on the parish. Christ the Saviour OCA uses primarily English.
Duration: Divine Liturgy typically runs 1.5-2 hours. Christmas services may be longer.
Dress Code
- Men: Remove hats upon entering. Business casual or modest dress is appropriate.
- Women: Headscarves are expected in Russian parishes and appreciated in others. Wear modest clothing (no shorts or sleeveless tops).
Etiquette
Cross yourself: Orthodox Christians cross themselves from right to left (forehead, chest, right shoulder, left shoulder)—opposite to Roman Catholics. As a visitor, you’re not expected to do this.
Communion: Only baptized Orthodox Christians who have prepared by fasting and confession may receive Holy Communion. Visitors may receive the antidoron (blessed bread) handed out at the end of the service—this is a gesture of hospitality, not a sacrament.
Seating: There is no assigned seating. Arrive early and find a spot near the back if you’re unsure of the customs.
Photography: Ask permission before taking photos inside the church, especially during services.
Greetings
Say: “Merry Christmas” is fine, but the proper liturgical greeting is:
- English: “Christ is Born!”
- Serbian: “Hristos se Rodi!”
- Ukrainian: “Chrystos Rozhdayetsia!”
- Russian: “S Rozhdyestvom Khristovym!”
Reply:
- English: “Glorify Him!”
- Serbian: “Vaistinu se Rodi!”
- Ukrainian: “Slavimo Yoho!”
Related Ottawa Community Events
Malanka (Ukrainian New Year)
Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026, 5:30 PM onwards Location: Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, 1000 Byron Ave Details: Dinner, dance, and cultural program celebrating the “Old New Year” (January 14 on the Julian calendar). Tickets support Plast Ottawa youth programming and the Lesia Ukrainka Ukrainian School.
Theophany (Epiphany) / Blessing of Waters
January 19, 2026 (Old Calendar): Serbian and Russian parishes often hold outdoor water blessing ceremonies near the Rideau River or Ottawa River, weather permitting. This tradition commemorates Christ’s baptism in the Jordan River.
January 6, 2026 (New Calendar): Greek and Antiochian churches performed this blessing earlier in the month.
Festival of Carols
The Ukrainian community hosts traditional carol festivals (Vertep) at various venues. Check the Ukrainian Canada Congress Ottawa Branch for upcoming dates.
FAQ
Q: Why is Orthodox Christmas on January 7?
Orthodox Christmas falls on January 7 because many Orthodox churches use the Julian calendar for calculating religious holidays. The Julian calendar is currently 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar, so December 25 (Julian) corresponds to January 7 (Gregorian). This affects Serbian, Russian, Coptic, Ethiopian, and some Ukrainian Orthodox communities.
Q: Which Ottawa churches have services today (January 7)?
Churches holding Orthodox Christmas services today include St. Stefan Serbian Orthodox (1989 Prince of Wales Dr), Protection of the Holy Virgin Russian Orthodox (99 Stonehurst Ave), Christ the Saviour Orthodox (721 Somerset St W), and the Coptic Orthodox churches. Service times are typically 9:30-10:00 AM for Divine Liturgy.
Q: Can non-Orthodox people attend Orthodox Christmas services?
Yes, visitors are welcome at Orthodox services. You may observe the liturgy, light a candle, and receive blessed bread (antidoron) at the end. However, only baptized Orthodox Christians who have fasted and confessed may receive Holy Communion. Dress modestly and expect to stand for most of the 1.5-2 hour service.
Q: What do you say on Orthodox Christmas?
The traditional greeting is “Christ is Born!” (English), “Hristos se Rodi!” (Serbian), or “Chrystos Rozhdayetsia!” (Ukrainian). The proper response is “Glorify Him!” (English), “Vaistinu se Rodi!” (Serbian), or “Slavimo Yoho!” (Ukrainian).
Q: What is kutya and why is it important?
Kutya (kutia) is a ceremonial dish of boiled wheat berries mixed with poppy seeds, honey, and nuts. It is the centrepiece of the 12-dish Holy Supper served on Christmas Eve. The wheat symbolizes resurrection and eternal life, while honey represents the sweetness of heaven. It is also served at memorial services and funerals, connecting Christmas to remembrance of ancestors.
Q: Do Ukrainian Orthodox churches celebrate on December 25 or January 7?
Most Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada parishes now celebrate on December 25, following Ukraine’s 2023 national decision to adopt the Revised Julian calendar as an act of cultural independence from Russia. However, some traditional parishes or individual families still observe January 7.
Q: What is the Badnjak ceremony?
The Badnjak is a Serbian Orthodox tradition where an oak branch (representing the Yule log) is ceremonially blessed and burned on Christmas Eve. The ceremony symbolizes warmth, hospitality, and the burning of sins. In Ottawa, St. Stefan Serbian Orthodox Church holds a community Badnjak ceremony that draws hundreds of participants.
Q: Where can I buy Orthodox Christmas foods in Ottawa?
Duke Fine Foods (1970 Merivale Rd) and Lakomka International Deli (1127 Baxter Rd) are the best options for Russian, Ukrainian, and Eastern European foods including wheat berries, poppy seeds, herring, and prepared dishes. Wedel in the ByWard Market and Westboro offers Polish pastries and holiday chocolates.
Q: Do women need to wear headscarves in Orthodox churches?
Head coverings for women are expected in Russian Orthodox parishes (Protection of the Holy Virgin) and appreciated in other traditional parishes. It is a sign of reverence, not a requirement for visitors. If you don’t have a scarf, some churches provide them at the entrance.
Q: What is Malanka?
Malanka is the Ukrainian New Year celebration, traditionally observed on January 13-14 (New Year’s Eve on the Julian calendar). In Ottawa, the Ukrainian community hosts a charity gala with dinner, dancing, and cultural performances. The 2026 Malanka is scheduled for January 17 at the Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral.
Final Thoughts
Orthodox Christmas connects Ottawa’s diverse Eastern Christian communities to centuries-old traditions of faith, fasting, and fellowship. Whether you’re attending Divine Liturgy at St. Stefan Serbian Orthodox, experiencing the solemn beauty of the Russian Memorial Church, or simply enjoying kutya at a friend’s home, today marks a celebration of the Nativity that transcends borders.
For those new to Orthodoxy, the services offer a window into ancient Christian practice—the chanting, incense, icons, and standing worship create an atmosphere unlike Western church traditions. Visitors are welcome at most services, and the gesture of receiving blessed bread at the end is a meaningful act of hospitality.
Christ is Born! Glorify Him!
For more Ottawa winter celebrations, explore our guides to Winterlude, outdoor skating on the Rideau Canal, or free things to do in Ottawa.
Sources: Church websites and social media pages for St. Stefan Serbian Orthodox, Protection of the Holy Virgin Memorial Church, Christ the Saviour Orthodox, Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral of the Assumption, St. Mary Coptic Orthodox Church, Ottawa Citizen, and timeanddate.com. Service times current as of January 7, 2026—confirm with individual parishes.
