Orthodox New Year

Understanding the Orthodox New Year in the United Kingdom

The Orthodox New Year, often affectionately referred to as the "Old New Year," is a fascinating cultural and religious observance that holds deep significance for thousands of people living across the United Kingdom. While the majority of the British population follows the Gregorian calendar—celebrating the arrival of the new year on the 1st of January with fireworks, "Auld Lang Syne," and resolutions—the Orthodox New Year offers a second opportunity for reflection, celebration, and spiritual renewal. It is a day that bridges the gap between ancient traditions and modern British life, particularly for the vibrant Eastern European, Balkan, and Middle Eastern communities that call the UK home.

What makes this holiday truly special is its adherence to the Julian calendar, a solar calendar introduced by Julius Caesar in 46 BC. For those who observe it, the Orthodox New Year is not merely a "second party"; it is a deeply rooted connection to ancestral heritage and ecclesiastical history. In a fast-paced country like the United Kingdom, where the festive season often feels rushed and highly commercialised, the Orthodox New Year provides a quieter, more contemplative alternative. It allows families to gather once more, often after the primary rush of the Western holiday season has subsided, focusing on communal bonds and the preservation of unique cultural identities within the British "melting pot."

The essence of the day lies in its duality. On one hand, it is a religious milestone for many Orthodox Christian denominations, including the Russian, Serbian, Georgian, and Ukrainian churches, as well as some Greek communities that maintain traditional liturgical practices. On the other hand, it has evolved into a popular secular cultural event. In cities like London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh, where diverse communities thrive, the Orthodox New Year serves as a reminder of the UK's rich multicultural tapestry. It is a time when the "old ways" are honoured with traditional foods, music, and prayers, ensuring that the legacy of the Julian calendar remains a living part of the British cultural landscape.

When is Orthodox New Year in 2026?

For those planning their calendars and festivities, the Orthodox New Year in the United Kingdom will be observed on:

Day: Wednesday Date: January 14, 2026 Countdown: There are 11 days remaining until the celebration.

It is important to note that the date of the Orthodox New Year is technically "fixed" in relation to the Julian calendar (where it always falls on January 1st), but it is "variable" in relation to the Gregorian calendar used in the UK. Currently, there is a 13-day discrepancy between the two systems. This gap is not permanent; due to the way leap years are calculated differently between the two calendars, the date will eventually shift. For the remainder of this century, the celebration will continue to fall on January 14th. However, after the year 2100, the gap will increase to 14 days, meaning the Orthodox New Year will move to January 15th for future generations.

The History and Origins of the "Old New Year"

To understand why the Orthodox New Year exists, one must look back at the history of timekeeping in Europe. For centuries, the Julian calendar was the standard. However, the Julian system had a slight mathematical error: it overestimated the length of the solar year by about 11 minutes. While this seems negligible, over centuries, the calendar drifted out of alignment with the actual solar equinoxes and solstices.

In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII introduced the Gregorian calendar to correct this drift. To bring the calendar back in line with the seasons, ten days were essentially "deleted" from the year 1582. While Catholic countries adopted this change relatively quickly, Protestant and Orthodox regions resisted for various political and religious reasons. The British Empire, including what is now the United Kingdom, did not adopt the Gregorian calendar until 1752. By that time, the discrepancy had grown to 11 days, leading to the famous "calendar riots" where some people reportedly shouted, "Give us back our eleven days!"

Many Orthodox national churches, however, continued to use the Julian calendar for their liturgical cycles. Even as the civil governments of countries like Russia, Greece, and Serbia eventually adopted the Gregorian calendar for secular use in the early 20th century, the Church often remained steadfast. This created a unique cultural phenomenon where people lived their daily lives by the modern calendar but celebrated their religious holidays by the "Old Style" calendar. In the UK, this tradition was brought over by waves of immigrants who wished to maintain their spiritual connection to their homelands. Today, the Orthodox New Year stands as a testament to this historical resilience.

How People Celebrate in the United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, celebrations for the Orthodox New Year are generally more low-key and private than the massive public displays seen on December 31st. Because it is not a public holiday, the festivities usually take place in the evening or within the confines of community centres and churches.

Religious Observances

For devout Orthodox Christians in the UK, the day often begins or ends with a church service. Many Orthodox parishes across the country hold a "New Year Molieben"—a service of intercession or thanksgiving. During these services, worshippers pray for God's blessing on the coming year, for peace in the world, and for the health of their families. The atmosphere in these churches, often filled with the scent of incense and the glow of beeswax candles, offers a stark and peaceful contrast to the winter chill outside.

Family Gatherings and Traditional Feasts

Food plays a central role in the UK’s Orthodox New Year celebrations. Since the holiday follows the strict Nativity Fast (which ends on Orthodox Christmas, January 7th), the New Year is a time of abundance and indulgence. Russian Traditions: Many Russian-speaking residents in the UK prepare "Salad Olivier," a rich potato salad, and "Selyodka pod shuboy" (Dressed Herring). Serbian Traditions: Serbian communities may celebrate "Mali Božić" (Little Christmas) on this day, often serving "Vasilica," a special bread named after St. Basil the Great. Social Events: In larger cities, Eastern European restaurants and social clubs often host "Old New Year" parties. these events feature live folk music, traditional dancing, and a nostalgic atmosphere that allows expats and their British-born children to reconnect with their roots.

Traditions and Customs

While traditions vary depending on the specific ethnic background of the observers, several common themes emerge during the Orthodox New Year in the UK:

1. St. Basil’s Day: In the Orthodox tradition, January 14th (January 1st Old Style) is the Feast of St. Basil the Great. He is known for his charity and care for the poor. In many households, this day is associated with acts of kindness and the sharing of wealth.
2. Fortune Telling: In some Slavic cultures, the "Old New Year" was historically a time for folk magic and fortune-telling. While less common in the modern UK, some families still engage in lighthearted traditions, such as hiding a coin or a trinket inside a cake or loaf of bread (similar to a Christmas pudding). The person who finds the item is said to have good luck for the rest of the year.
3. The "Malanka" and Carolling: Among the Ukrainian community in the UK, the eve of the Orthodox New Year is known as Malanka. This often involves traditional folk plays, masquerades, and carolling. While these large-scale processions are rarer in the UK than in Ukraine, community centres often organise performances to keep the tradition alive for the younger generation.
4. A Second Chance: For many Brits who are not of Orthodox descent but have friends within the community, the day is seen as a "second chance" for New Year's resolutions. If a resolution made on January 1st has already been broken, January 14th provides a symbolic moment to start fresh.

Practical Information for the United Kingdom

If you are planning to observe the Orthodox New Year or are simply curious about how it affects life in the UK, there are several practical considerations to keep in mind.

Impact on Transport and Services

Unlike the January 1st New Year, the Orthodox New Year does not result in any changes to public transport schedules. Trains, buses, and the London Underground operate on their standard weekday or weekend schedules (depending on which day of the week January 14, 2026 falls). Similarly, government offices, post offices, and banks remain open.

Community Hubs

If you are looking to experience the celebrations, the best places to visit are areas with high concentrations of Orthodox communities. In London, this includes areas around Ennismore Gardens (home to the Russian Orthodox Cathedral) and various community hubs in West and North London. Other cities with active Orthodox communities include Oxford, Cambridge, Nottingham, and Leicester. Many of these churches welcome visitors who wish to observe the beautiful liturgy, provided they remain respectful of the religious setting.

Shopping for Traditions

For those wishing to cook a traditional feast, the UK has seen a massive rise in Eastern European supermarkets (often labelled as "Polski Sklep" or "International Foods"). These shops are excellent resources for finding specific ingredients like kasha, specialized meats, and traditional sweets that are essential for an authentic Orthodox New Year table.

Is it a Public Holiday?

It is important to clarify that Orthodox New Year is not a public holiday (Bank Holiday) in the United Kingdom.

Because it is not an official holiday: Businesses and Offices: All private businesses, corporations, and retail shops follow their regular opening hours. Schools: Schools remain open, and children are expected to attend classes as usual. Families who wish to take time off for religious observance usually need to coordinate this with the school or employer in advance as a "religious observance" request.

• Public Services: Hospitals, libraries, and emergency services operate normally.

While it is a "normal" working day for the vast majority of the British population, for the Orthodox community, the celebration happens "after hours." It is a testament to the UK's commitment to religious freedom that such traditions continue to flourish quietly alongside the secular calendar.

In conclusion, the Orthodox New Year on January 14, 2026, 2026, is a beautiful example of the "hidden" cultural richness of the United Kingdom. It is a day that honours the past, celebrates the present, and looks forward to the future with hope. Whether you are attending a solemn liturgy in a candlelit cathedral or sharing a hearty meal with friends in a suburban kitchen, the "Old New Year" remains a poignant reminder of the enduring power of tradition in a changing world.