Nativity of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

Nativity of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Feast Day and Greek Name Day

The Nativity of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is one of the most important celebrations in the Orthodox Christian Church. The feast commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and is celebrated each year on December 25. On this day people named Christos, Christo, Christakis, Christina, Christiana, Christa, and Christine, among other variations, celebrate their Greek name day.

The Birth of Jesus Christ

The Nativity marks the moment when Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem to the Virgin Mary.

According to the Gospel accounts, Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem where Jesus was born in humble circumstances. Because there was no room at the inn, Christ was born in a manger.

Shepherds in nearby fields were the first to hear the news of His birth when angels appeared to them announcing the coming of the Savior. They traveled to Bethlehem to worship the newborn Christ.

The Meaning of the Nativity

For Christians, the Nativity represents the moment when God became human in order to bring salvation to the world.

The birth of Jesus fulfilled ancient prophecies and marked the beginning of Christ’s life and ministry on earth.

The feast celebrates the joy of Christ’s coming and the message of hope and redemption for humanity.

One of the Great Feasts of the Church

The Nativity of Christ is one of the Twelve Great Feasts of the Orthodox Church.

Churches hold special services beginning on the eve of the feast, including hymns and prayers that celebrate the birth of the Savior.

The Nativity follows the Nativity Fast, a forty day period of spiritual preparation observed by Orthodox Christians before Christmas.

Greek Name Day for Christos and Christina

Because the Nativity of Jesus Christ is celebrated on December 25, this date is also the Greek name day for:

Christos

Christo

Christakis

Christina

Christiana

Christa

Christine

In Greek culture, celebrating a name day is often just as important as celebrating a birthday. Friends and family commonly offer well wishes and visits to honor the person whose name is being celebrated.