Make January 7 a holiday in NYC for Orthodox Christmas
Make January 7 a holiday in NYC for Orthodox Christmas
Recent signers:
- - and 19 others have signed recently.
The Issue
I am proud to be a member of the Coptic Orthodox community in New York City. As an active participant in my faith, I find it truly challenging that our cherished holiday, the Coptic Orthodox Christmas on January 7, is not recognized as a public holiday in NYC schools. This lack of recognition affects not only me but also thousands of families in Long Island, Nassau County, and Suffolk who share this heritage and wish to celebrate this sacred day with their loved ones without the pressure of missing important school time or work commitments.
New York City prides itself on its diversity and inclusion, celebrating a tapestry of cultures woven through its vibrant communities. As an iconic hub of cultural exchange, NYC should reflect these values in its policies by recognizing the importance of all its citizens' traditions and beliefs. By making January 7th a holiday for NYC public schools, we would ensure that all Orthodox Christian communities - both Coptic and Eastern - receive the same respect and consideration that other faiths in our metropolis enjoy.
Statistics show that the Orthodox Christian community is growing significantly in the United States. According to Pew Research Center, Orthodox Christians now make up a substantial portion of religious adherents across the nation. In our own city, this expanding community speaks to the necessity of embracing our diverse religious celebrations.
The logistics of implementing this holiday are achievable. We suggest aligning it with other NYC school calendar adjustments or considering it within winter break discussions. The school schedule would not need drastic alterations, but this change would affirm the value of every student's cultural and religious identity across the city.
Join us in urging the New York City Department of Education to recognize the rich cultural tapestry of our city by officially designating January 7th as a school holiday. Let us honor our city's diversity and provide equality by offering this day for family, reflection, and religious observance.
Please sign this petition to support this important initiative. Together, we can celebrate the true spirit of inclusivity that New York City embodies.
New York City prides itself on its diversity and inclusion, celebrating a tapestry of cultures woven through its vibrant communities. As an iconic hub of cultural exchange, NYC should reflect these values in its policies by recognizing the importance of all its citizens' traditions and beliefs. By making January 7th a holiday for NYC public schools, we would ensure that all Orthodox Christian communities - both Coptic and Eastern - receive the same respect and consideration that other faiths in our metropolis enjoy.
Statistics show that the Orthodox Christian community is growing significantly in the United States. According to Pew Research Center, Orthodox Christians now make up a substantial portion of religious adherents across the nation. In our own city, this expanding community speaks to the necessity of embracing our diverse religious celebrations.
The logistics of implementing this holiday are achievable. We suggest aligning it with other NYC school calendar adjustments or considering it within winter break discussions. The school schedule would not need drastic alterations, but this change would affirm the value of every student's cultural and religious identity across the city.
Join us in urging the New York City Department of Education to recognize the rich cultural tapestry of our city by officially designating January 7th as a school holiday. Let us honor our city's diversity and provide equality by offering this day for family, reflection, and religious observance.
Please sign this petition to support this important initiative. Together, we can celebrate the true spirit of inclusivity that New York City embodies.
Miechel HannaPetition Starter
33
Recent signers:
- - and 19 others have signed recently.
The Issue
I am proud to be a member of the Coptic Orthodox community in New York City. As an active participant in my faith, I find it truly challenging that our cherished holiday, the Coptic Orthodox Christmas on January 7, is not recognized as a public holiday in NYC schools. This lack of recognition affects not only me but also thousands of families in Long Island, Nassau County, and Suffolk who share this heritage and wish to celebrate this sacred day with their loved ones without the pressure of missing important school time or work commitments.
New York City prides itself on its diversity and inclusion, celebrating a tapestry of cultures woven through its vibrant communities. As an iconic hub of cultural exchange, NYC should reflect these values in its policies by recognizing the importance of all its citizens' traditions and beliefs. By making January 7th a holiday for NYC public schools, we would ensure that all Orthodox Christian communities - both Coptic and Eastern - receive the same respect and consideration that other faiths in our metropolis enjoy.
Statistics show that the Orthodox Christian community is growing significantly in the United States. According to Pew Research Center, Orthodox Christians now make up a substantial portion of religious adherents across the nation. In our own city, this expanding community speaks to the necessity of embracing our diverse religious celebrations.
The logistics of implementing this holiday are achievable. We suggest aligning it with other NYC school calendar adjustments or considering it within winter break discussions. The school schedule would not need drastic alterations, but this change would affirm the value of every student's cultural and religious identity across the city.
Join us in urging the New York City Department of Education to recognize the rich cultural tapestry of our city by officially designating January 7th as a school holiday. Let us honor our city's diversity and provide equality by offering this day for family, reflection, and religious observance.
Please sign this petition to support this important initiative. Together, we can celebrate the true spirit of inclusivity that New York City embodies.
New York City prides itself on its diversity and inclusion, celebrating a tapestry of cultures woven through its vibrant communities. As an iconic hub of cultural exchange, NYC should reflect these values in its policies by recognizing the importance of all its citizens' traditions and beliefs. By making January 7th a holiday for NYC public schools, we would ensure that all Orthodox Christian communities - both Coptic and Eastern - receive the same respect and consideration that other faiths in our metropolis enjoy.
Statistics show that the Orthodox Christian community is growing significantly in the United States. According to Pew Research Center, Orthodox Christians now make up a substantial portion of religious adherents across the nation. In our own city, this expanding community speaks to the necessity of embracing our diverse religious celebrations.
The logistics of implementing this holiday are achievable. We suggest aligning it with other NYC school calendar adjustments or considering it within winter break discussions. The school schedule would not need drastic alterations, but this change would affirm the value of every student's cultural and religious identity across the city.
Join us in urging the New York City Department of Education to recognize the rich cultural tapestry of our city by officially designating January 7th as a school holiday. Let us honor our city's diversity and provide equality by offering this day for family, reflection, and religious observance.
Please sign this petition to support this important initiative. Together, we can celebrate the true spirit of inclusivity that New York City embodies.
Miechel HannaPetition Starter
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Petition created on December 31, 2025