Is the change of the date of celebration of Saint Nicholas Day legal?

04.12.2025 00:00 • Question

Previously, Saint Nicholas Day was always celebrated on December 19, but starting this year the church moved it to December 6 due to the transition to the new calendar. Do I understand correctly that this is now the official date for everyone? Will there be any problems if someone still celebrates in the old way, and is this regulated by law in any way?

1 Answers

Lorina Fedan

Answer provided 04.12.2025 11:50

In 2025, St. Nicholas Day will be celebrated on December 6, rather than the traditional 19th. This is due to the transition of most Christians to the new Julian calendar, according to which all religious holidays are moved 13 days earlier. The holiday is established in honor of the day of the Dormition of St. Nicholas, which falls on December 6 according to the Gregorian or New Julian style (corresponding to December 19 according to the old, Julian calendar).

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