Why We Follow the Old (Julian) Calendar

Christminster follows the Old (Julian) Calendar because it is the tradition of the majority of Orthodox Christians throughout the world and throughout the centuries. And, of course, we follow it because it is the calendar of the Russian Orthodox Church, both at home and abroad. Here in the United States and Canada, one easily overlooks the fact that the vast majority of Orthodox outside North America still follow the Julian Calendar. Thus our maintaining this tradition reflects our community and fellowship with the worldwide community of Orthodox Christians. This does not diminish, in our estimation, our respect for and fellowship with those Orthodox, in this country and elsewhere, who follow the new calendar. We hope, in return, that we will be respected for our own observance.

We do not see the Old Calendar as inappropriate for the western rite, since
the western rite is simply the Orthodox rite of the west before the Great
Schism, and the Old Calendar is the calendar of the Orthodox west.
Naturally we regard the Gregorian/papal revision of the calendar as
possessing no more validity than any other papal revisions of theology,
liturgy or custom. Following the Old Calendar actually helps to distinguish
western-rite Orthodox Christians from non-Orthodox western Christians.

It can be a blessing to find ourselves out of step at times - especially at
Christmas - with the rhythms of contemporary life. This is especially beneficial
in two ways. First, it reminds us that while we must live in our secular
culture, we do not owe it our ultimate allegiance. This is an appropriate
reminder not just for monastics, but for all Orthodox Christians. Secondly,
it permits us to celebrate Christmas in a quieter atmosphere, unsullied by
commercial and consumerist diversions.

Additionally, we maintain the tradition of ancient Glastonbury, whose Thorn Bush still sends forth its Christmas blooms, not on December 25th but on January 7th. As Dr. Alexander Roman points out, the Old Calendar represents a venerable Anglican tradition: "The Anglican Church refused the Gregorian Calendar on these grounds, in addition to its anti-papalism. This is why there are still some Anglican parishes that celebrate Christmas on January 6th to this day, especially in Wales and Scotland that refers to it as 'Yule.' The Christmas Thorn of Glastonbury continues to flower on January 6th or 7th and it is at this time, and not on December 25th, that the Thorn is cut and sent as a special Christmas present to Queen Elizabeth the Second. "

St. Alban