Orthodox New Year’s Eve

Orthodox New Year's Eve, identified by some as the Eve of the Circumcision of Christ or the Eve of St. Basil, is a day observed by several Orthodox Christian communities.

This observance signifies the conclusion of the liturgical year for select Orthodox traditions and precedes the celebration of the Julian New Year, which occurs on January 14th.

In Israel, Orthodox New Year's Eve falls on January 13th, 2026, and is recognized as a public holiday for the Orthodox Christian population.

While it is a public holiday, most businesses and government offices outside of Orthodox communities will operate on a regular schedule.

The significance of this observance is deeply rooted in its timing, just before the feast day commemorating the Circumcision of Christ.

It serves as a reminder of the enduring traditions within certain Orthodox churches that continue to follow the Julian calendar, distinct from the commonly used Gregorian calendar.

For Israel, the observance of Orthodox New Year's Eve underscores the nation's diverse religious and cultural landscape, encompassing various Christian denominations.

Observances primarily involve attending religious services held in churches, where special prayers and litanies are central.

Following religious services, families may gather for celebratory meals, often maintaining fasting traditions until midnight.

Some adherents partake in cultural practices such as singing hymns or offering specific blessings as part of the New Year's Eve traditions.