On January 7, Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas – the day Jesus Christ was born. This is one of the most important church holidays of the year (only Easter is more significant). The Bible does not mention the exact date of Christmas. However, it can be inferred from the text and meaning of the New Testament, the sequence of priestly services in the Jerusalem Temple, and even astronomical calculations. According to the Church, the date of Christ's Nativity was established as December 25 (or January 7 in the new calendar system) in the year 749 (from the founding of Rome). Modern chronology starts from the birth of Jesus Christ – we are now in the year 2025. The future Savior was born of the Immaculate Conception by the Virgin Mary and her righteous husband, Joseph. This event took place in a cave in Bethlehem. The infant was placed in a manger, where animal feed is usually kept. His birth was accompanied by incredible signs and miracles, testifying that the long-promised Messiah had come to Earth to save God's children and make eternal life possible. The celebration of Christmas began relatively late, only in the 3rd century. The difference in dates (December 25 or January 7) is explained by the use of different calendar systems: the Gregorian and Julian calendars. Faithful Christians begin preparing for the holiday well in advance, observing a 40-day fast. On Christmas Day, no food is consumed until evening, when the first star appears, after which they break the fast following the church service. On the night of January 7, Christmas liturgies are held in Orthodox churches. According to tradition, nativity scenes with mangers and figurines of the Infant Jesus and the Virgin Mary are displayed both inside and outside the churches. The symbol of the holiday is the Christmas tree, decorated in believers' homes. In the symbolism of Christmas, it is interpreted as the tree of paradise and eternal life, which believers attain through the New Adam – Jesus Christ.