The Origins of the January 1 New Year vs. October 1 New Year 

The photo attached shows part of the team that visited India in 2005. Some members, including former Senior Pastor Noel Muungani, might not be in the picture. The fourth person from the left was the first to receive this gospel in India, followed by a family, and then another individual who may be familiar to those who have been to Nairobi. 

Historically, much of Europe used to celebrate the New Year between March and April—this tradition likely lasted until around the 16th century. This practice was influenced by early Christianity and Jewish communities, particularly those from the tribe of Benjamin who fled to Europe. Many of Jesus’ apostles preached throughout Europe, which is why New Testament books are named after European regions such as Rome (Italy), Corinth (Greece), and Galatia and Ephesus (Turkey). 

The Hebrew calendar’s first month, Nisan, falls around March–April. As a result, early Europeans celebrated the New Year around this time, even after the introduction of the modern Gregorian calendar. Over time, the celebration shifted to March 25 and eventually to April 1. 

The Story Behind January 

January, as we know it today, became the New Year month later. It was named after Janus, the Roman god of beginnings, transitions, and endings. Janus was seen as a symbol of new starts—hence January was chosen to mark the start of the year. 

April Fools’ Day Origins 

Not everyone accepted the switch to January. Traditionalists continued celebrating on April 1. Supporters of the January change mocked them by inviting them to fake parties filled with bad food as a prank. Those who showed up were labeled as “April Fools” for refusing to move with the times. That’s how April 1 became associated with jokes and trickery. 

The October 1 New Year 

In the Hebrew calendar, while Nisan is the first month, New Year celebrations actually occur in the seventh month, Tishri (Numbers 29:1), usually in September or October. This tradition is reflected in places like Israel and Ethiopia, which has strong Jewish historical ties and also celebrates New Year in September. 

In Zimbabwe, formerly Southern Rhodesia, October 1 holds special significance. On that date in 1914, Baba Johane was born, and exactly 18 years later, the Gospel of God Church was founded. As a result, October 1 became the spiritual New Year for the church—though this calendar isn’t identical to the Jewish one, it sometimes aligns with it. 

A note on Baba Johane’s birth: While he said he was born on a Friday, historical records show October 1, 1914, was a Thursday. The explanation lies in the biblical concept of days starting at sunset. So, being born at 7 PM Thursday means he was born at the start of Friday, biblically speaking. 

Final Clarifications 

This information is mainly for apostles to understand their spiritual identity. 

It helps explain why not all celebrations, like January 1, are considered spiritually significant. January 1 is just another public holiday. 

The church still recognizes the standard calendar year: it moves from 2024 to 2025 on January 1, just like in global and government systems. The October celebration doesn’t alter that. 

October 1 is spiritually meaningful but does not override daily moral conduct—wrong remains wrong, even on New Year’s. 

For all who took time to read this message, receive our blessings and prayers for joy and God’s grace throughout the year—past, present, and future. Stay connected and keep reading.