Breckland Council hosts Orthodox Christmas in Dereham

Father Christmas - or, as he is more often called in the Orthodox Church, St Nicholas - was there to pass out gifts to children, and a magician was also on hand to entertain the guests with tricks. 

Ukrainians were the guests of Breckland Council on January 7 at the Dereham Memorial Hall, to celebrate the Orthodox Church Christmas (Image: Breckland Council)

The festivities were organsied by Breckland Council at the Dereham Memorial Hall in Norwich Street, and paid for by Equitix and Lex Leisure.

Sam Chapman-Allen, the council's leader, thanked people in Breckland hosting refugees under the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

Mr Chapman-Allen also praised the Dereham Ukraine Aid Centre for continuing to support the refugees who are still settling in across Breckland and rebuilding their lives.

Alison Webb, the council's executive member for health and communities, said: “A number of Breckland residents have stepped up to provide them shelter in their time of need and the council and its partners has done all it can to help them find a home, a job and a new life.”

Why do people celebrate Christmas in January?

Orthodox Christians around the world celebrate their Christmas after most people in the UK have packed away their trees and tinsel.

This is because they follow the Julian calendar, unlike those who celebrate on December 25, by following the Gregorian calendar.

It came about because there was a difference of views as to when to officially mark the birth of Jesus Christ.

This difference dates all the way back to the year 325, when some Christian bishops met to agree on a date for the Easter celebration.

All members of the Orthodox Church begin fasting 40 days before Christmas - with people eliminating dairy, fish, wine, and olive oil meat during the entire period.

After Christmas Eve mass on January 6, people gather with their family and friends to host a feast and bring an end to their fast.