In their history, Orthodox celebrations go back to ancient times to the distant times of the Old Testament events. Our church also recognizes the significant dates of the New Testament, which contain the traditions of the holy deeds of Jesus Christ. Each of the canonical Christian holidays symbolizes one of the miracles performed by the Savior, or personifies an important aspect of his life.
Church leaders have always recognized the incredible importance of religious celebrations for believers, seeing their veneration as one of the foundations of piety. Traditionally, such holidays are held according to strict religious rules with the obligatory sacraments of the Eucharist, as well as thematic services.
In accordance with these rules, the lives of ordinary people are organized during periods of celebration. A believer is completely freed from hard work and everyday everyday activities, he purifies his thoughts and devotes himself entirely to good deeds in favor of the suffering and the poor.
According to accepted norms, noisy libations and entertainment events are not welcome during festive hours; this time should be spent modestly, in reverence for God and others.
The origins of celebration traditions
The rulers of Orthodox Byzantium, patrons of the church, issued a whole series of laws back in the 6th century, according to which it was strictly forbidden to neglect the sanctity of religious celebrations by performing professional and everyday duties.
In addition, this decision also prohibited various amusements, street performances and any other entertainment events that did not meet the moral principles of a devout Christian. On Sundays there was no trading at the markets and no litigation was considered.
These events greatly influenced the Orthodox tradition and, in fact, largely shaped the current vision of the rules of behavior on holidays.
Today, just like many years ago, a true believer excludes himself from any work, adheres to established norms in ceremonies and performs certain rituals inherent in a particular holiday.
What is such a calendar?
Easter consists of two parts - moving (variable) and permanent holidays. The constant part of the Orthodox calendar is a list of holidays that do not shift in date every year.
The variable part, on the contrary, is a selection of celebrations that fall every year on different dates and directly depend on the day of Easter Sunday - the main Christian holiday. Holy Sunday itself is planned based on the data of the lunar calendar and a number of various nuances.
Thus, the two parts of the calendar (permanent and movable) together form the holiday cycle every year.
Church festivities in 2019
The coming year will not differ much from most previous years in terms of the number of festive days. In the Orthodox calendar, only the dates of moving celebrations will change, the onset of which is predicted by the great holiday of the Resurrection of the Lord.
Winter 2019
In the winter season of the coming year, Orthodox believers will celebrate several great Christian holidays, including:
December 4– Introduction to the Temple of the Virgin Mary. A celebration dedicated to the fulfillment of the vow of the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The future mother of Jesus Crunch on this day, at the age of 3, was brought to the temple to dedicate her to God.
Jan. 7- Nativity. This is a bright and joyful time for Christians all over the world, this is the date named in religious sources, the day when the Virgin Mary gave birth to the Savior of all mankind, Jesus Christ.
January 14- Circumcision of the Lord. As you know, the future Messiah was brought up in a strict Jewish religious tradition, therefore, according to all the canons of faith, he was circumcised at the age of 7 days.
In addition to this fact, this day is associated with the veneration of St. Basil, known for his numerous godly deeds. Thus, you can often find church ministers calling January 14 nothing more than Vasily’s Day, as a tribute to the memory of the great man.
January 19- Baptism of the Lord. This date is dedicated to the memory of the founding of the great sacrament, which is still practiced today. It was on this day that Jesus Christ received the blessing of baptism in the Jordan River. According to folk legend, all water at this time has miraculous properties and is able to heal any sufferer.
February, 15- Presentation of the Lord. As stated in the Law of Moses, which is obligatory for every Jew, little Jesus was brought into the temple on the fortieth day of his birth to be dedicated to God. Joseph and Mary fulfilled their duty by sacrificing two chicks of doves as a sign of endless love and gratitude to the Almighty.
Spring 2019
April 7- Annunciation. On this day, according to biblical legends, the Virgin Mary received from the heavenly messenger the good news about the upcoming birth of the Savior of all mankind - Jesus Christ. The herald was the Archangel Gabriel, who personally appeared to inform the heavenly chosen one about her happiness in having a son.
April 21– . This holiday is celebrated shortly before Easter. It is also called Palm, because this attribute is considered the main symbol of celebration. On this day, according to the New Testament, Jesus Christ, after the resurrection of Lazarus, entered Jerusalem, where the local residents, having learned about the miracle, greeted him with great joy.
April 28– Resurrection of the Lord or. The most important and significant holiday of the entire Christian world. It was on this day that Jesus Christ rose from the dead, which became a great joy for all his followers. The calendar date for celebrating Easter is not constant; it shifts according to the lunar calendar and varies within a couple of spring months.
Summer 2019
June 6- Ascension of the Lord. A very important celebration for all Orthodox Christians. According to tradition, the holiday is celebrated on the fortieth day after Easter.
June 16- Trinity. A great celebration that has several names at once. In the domestic tradition, the celebration has been elevated to the rank of the main religious festivals, and it is celebrated exactly ten days after the Ascension.
July 7- Birth of John the Baptist. An important holiday for every Christian believer. A solemn day was founded in honor of the birth of John the Baptist, who baptized the Savior himself in the Jordan River. The parents of this man were Elizabeth and Zechariah, blessed by God for their unbending faith and sincere prayers.
July, 12– In memory of the Apostles Peter and Paul. On this day, believers honor the memory of the Holy Apostles, who became famous for their many godly deeds.
August 19– Transfiguration. A very important holiday for all Orthodox people, better known among the common population as the Apple Savior. According to the official biblical interpretation, at this time Jesus Christ revealed his Divine essence to his followers.
Autumn 2019
11 September- In memory of John the Baptist. On this day, the baptizer of the Lord, John, suffered martyrdom.
September 21- Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This time is listed in Holy Scripture as the date of birth of the Savior’s mother, Mary.
September 27- Exaltation. After the discovery and raising from the ground of the cross on which the Romans crucified Jesus Christ, this day is considered a holiday for all Christians.
October 14- Pokrova. Celebrated in honor of the memory of the appearance of the Mother of God during prayer, and her help in protecting Constantinople from an ill-wisher.
Video
The article was written specifically for the website “2019 Year of the Pig”: https://site/
In the life of an Orthodox Christian there are several important tools that help set up your day and remember God and His commandments. And do this constantly, not from time to time. One of them is the Orthodox calendar for 2019, indicating all holidays, church events, and commemoration of the holy saints of God.
The table can be viewed horizontally from your phone| Twelves and Passing holidays | ||
| date | Name of the holiday | Event |
| September 21 | Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary | The birth of the Virgin Mary is a gift to her righteous parents Joachim and Anna. |
| September 27 | Exaltation of the Holy Cross | Queen Helena found three crosses in a cave near the Holy Sepulcher. To understand which of them belonged to the Lord, crosses were placed on the deceased person. The cross of Jesus resurrected the dead. |
| October 14 | Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary | Blessed Andrew, during the divine liturgy (in the 10th century), saw the Mother of God in the sky, surrounded by angelic forces and asking Her Son for mercy for people who were in danger, then she took off her veil and covered the praying Christians with it. |
| December 4 | Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary into the Temple | At the age of 3, her parents made a vow to dedicate their child to the Lord. They brought her to the temple. |
| Jan. 7 | Nativity of Jesus Christ | The birth of the Savior of the human race. |
| January 19 | Baptism or Epiphany | The great consecration of all earthly waters, in honor of the Baptism of Jesus Christ. |
| February, 15 | Meeting of the Lord | Bringing the baby Jesus to the temple on the 40th day. On this day candles are blessed. |
| April 7 | Annunciation | The name of the holiday comes from the meeting of Archangel Gabriel and the Virgin Mary. Archangel Gabriel brought the good news to the Virgin Mary about her destiny to become the Mother of God and the birth of the Savior. |
| April 21 (rolling date) |
Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem or Palm Sunday | Memories of the royal glorification and meeting of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem shortly before his crucifixion. |
| April 28 (rolling date) |
EASTER | The main Christian holiday. The resurrection of Jesus Christ after the crucifixion. |
| June 6 (rolling date) |
Ascension of the Lord | The Savior, being in human flesh, ascended into the Kingdom of God, before the eyes of his disciples (apostles), paving the way for all humanity. |
| June 16 (rolling date) |
Trinity | The Day of God the Father, God the Son and the Holy Spirit - separate and unmerged at the same time. |
| August 19 | Transfiguration of the Lord | This holiday professes the union of two hypostases in Jesus Christ - human and divine. |
| August 28 | Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary | Day of the Repose of the Virgin Mary. |
- The form of the Orthodox calendar can be printed or electronic.
- Contents – short or extended.
- Format from pocket to multi-page books.
The Orthodox calendar for each day helps a Christian navigate his spiritual life. It is useful to get acquainted with what church holidays and weekends 2019 is full of in order to plan pilgrimage trips, vacations, family events or activities.
The Orthodox calendar for each day helps Christians navigate their spiritual life
Main holidays in 2019
Every year the church New Year begins on September 14 according to the new style (NS) and on September 1 according to the old style. Changes to the calendar were made by Peter I. This is how a new and old style appeared. In the Orthodox calendar of 2019, when designating dates, the new date is mentioned, and the “old” date of the holiday is mentioned in parentheses.
Orthodox holidays have main, non-changing dates and moving holiday dates. The twelfth great Orthodox holidays do not have moving, floating dates.
Moving holidays are determined in relation to the main holiday of Orthodox Christians - Easter. The main dates of Orthodox holidays for 2019 are presented in the table.
Orthodox calendar formats for 2019 - photo
The life of an Orthodox Christian should be systematic and constant. Visiting church on major holidays is necessary, but does not sufficiently serve the main goal of the life of an Orthodox Christian - the salvation of the soul.
The Orthodox calendar for 2019 for every day is a tuning fork that will contribute to this great Christian goal and will become food for the soul.
When there is not enough time for spiritual reading, and the rhythm of life leads to bustle, with the help of reading the Orthodox calendar it is easier to maintain spiritual activity and Christian discipline.
Reading will take no more than half an hour, and the mood will be set for the whole working day. And often the words of instructions from saints for a specific day from the Orthodox calendar become support, and maybe even a warning. Thus, day by day, the path will be formed, and the life of a believer will pass together with God.
The book format is filled with quotes, sayings of the holy saints of God, advice and experience of Christian life. Large font does not strain the eyesight, which is important at any age. As a rule, it contains photos of icons and much more information. You can choose an Orthodox calendar for 2019 by topic in accordance with your spiritual needs:
- for children - will discipline the child in Christian deeds, teach prayer, and be an active Christian;
- female - contains recommendations on rules of conduct, advice on housekeeping, examples and exploits of holy wives, instructions from Orthodox ascetics;
- church fasts - recipes for Lenten dishes will help you withstand strict fasts and live fast days without violations, tasty and nutritious;
- lives of saints and many other selections.
There are quite a few holidays in the church calendar, the dates of some of which are not fixed. Both young people who have recently come to faith and those who have been believing for several years need to know them. In 2019, Orthodox Christians traditionally expect 18 holidays, 7 fasts, several weeks and days of remembrance of the dead.
Church holidays
All holiday dates from the church calendar are dedicated to events from the life of Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary and other saints. Almost every month has holidays.
In January
In the first month of 2019, believers will celebrate 3 major church holidays at once:
- January 7 – Christmas. As the name suggests, on this day the Virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus Christ.
- January 14 – Circumcision of the Lord. On the 8th day after his birth, Christ was named Jesus and received circumcision. The holiday coincides with the day of remembrance of St. Basil the Great. That is why January 14 is often called Vasily’s Day.
- January 19 – Epiphany of the Lord. On this day, the baptism of Christ in the Jordan River by John the Baptist is celebrated. On the night of January 18-19, it is necessary to collect water, and it does not matter - from a tap, well, or river; it is believed that it becomes holy. In the morning, it is customary to pray for the fulfillment of your innermost desires, which must definitely come true.
In February
February 15 – Presentation of the Lord. On the 40th day after the birth of Jesus Christ, they brought him to the Temple to be dedicated to God, according to the Law of Moses. Mary and Joseph did not forget to make a sacrifice as a sign of gratitude - they became a pair of pigeon chicks.
In April
Three great holidays are celebrated in April:
- April 7 – . The reason for the celebration is the message of the Archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary about the future birth of Jesus Christ. It is a sin for believers to work on this holiday, since people say: “A bird does not build a nest, a maiden does not braid her hair.”
- April 21 – Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem, also known as Palm Sunday. Celebrated on the Sunday before Easter. It is necessary to illuminate the willow branches in the church. If the weather was cold, they prepared branches in advance and placed them in water so that the buds would bloom before the holiday.
- April 28 – Easter or Holy Resurrection of Christ. The greatest Orthodox holiday. Proclaimed in honor of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The date changes every year, since it is calculated according to the lunar-solar calendar (but, as a rule, it falls on the period from April 4 to May 8). Easter marks the end of Lent, so you can eat plenty of food that was prohibited for 48 days. The main treat on the table and the symbol of the holiday are, of course, krashenki and Easter cakes.
In June
The Orthodox calendar for June 2019 consists of two holidays:
- June 6 – Ascension of the Lord. Celebrated on Thursday, the 40th day after Easter. Marked by the ascension of Jesus Christ to heaven.
- June 16 – . The holiday has several names, including the Week of Holy Pentecost, Spiritual Day. It is considered one of the main religious holidays, which glorifies the Holy Trinity. Celebrated on the 50th day after the Holy Resurrection of Christ.
In July
Orthodox Christians will celebrate 2 holidays in July:
- July 7 – Nativity of John the Baptist. Established in honor of the birth of a son to the righteous Zechariah and Elizabeth in old age, who in the future became known as John the Baptist.
- July 12 – Holy Chief Apostles Peter and Paul/Paul's Day/Peter and Paul Day. Remembrance day of the two indicated apostles. Marks the end of Peter's fast.
In August
Believers honor the last month of summer:
- August 19 – Transfiguration of the Lord. Popularly known as Apple Spas or Second Spas. In the Gospels, this holiday is preceded by the appearance of the Divine greatness and glory of Christ before his disciples during prayer.
- August 28 – Assumption of the Virgin Mary. They remember the death of the Mother of God.
In September
Orthodox holidays of the first month of autumn are:
- September 11 – Beheading of John the Baptist. They commemorate John the Baptist, or rather his martyrdom.
- September 21 – Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. On this day, the Virgin Mary was born into the family of the righteous Joachim and Anna.
- September 27 – Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The ceremonial raising of the Cross up after its discovery in the ground is the basis of this great holiday.
In October
October 14 – Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. During the prayer service in the Blachernae Church, the Mother of God appeared to the believers with a special veil for her head, thereby protecting the worshipers.
December
December 4 – Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary into the temple. The mother and father of the Mother of God, the righteous Joachim and Anna, were childless. Asking for a child during prayers, they made a promise that if the child appeared, they would definitely dedicate him to God. When Mary was 3 years old, her parents, surrounded by relatives and friends, brought her to the Jerusalem Temple.
Orthodox fasts
In the Orthodox faith, like in all others, there are fasts, including multi-day and one-day fasts. At this time, it is necessary to abstain from food of animal origin and various kinds of pleasures, devoting more time to prayers.
Physical fasting without spiritual fasting is not effective for the salvation of the soul. Changing your gastronomic habits temporarily without revising your lifestyle is just a diet!
Multi-day
The church calendar specifies four long fasts. Each day allows the consumption of certain foods. Restrictions on food, struggle with lusts, renunciation of pleasures and entertainment, maximum good deeds and prayers - this is what real fasting is.
Great
Installed in honor of Jesus Christ. Lasts 48 days. In 2019, it falls between March 11 and April 27. Ends with the Holy Resurrection of Christ.
The most strict are the first and last weeks. Basic Rules:
- On the first day (Clean Monday) you should completely give up food.
- In the next 6 weeks, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays you need to eat only dry foods of plant origin and drink water and compotes.
- On Tuesdays and Thursdays you should avoid vegetable oil, but on Saturday and Sunday it is allowed.
- Fishing is allowed on April 7 and 21.
- On April 20 you can eat fish caviar.
- On April 26 (Good Friday) the first meal is allowed only after the shroud.
Petrov
Peter's Fast is often called the Apostolic Fast. Installed in honor of the Holy Apostles. In 2019 it lasts from June 24 to July 11.
On Wednesday and Friday, believers are allowed to eat only dry food; on Monday, hot food without oil is allowed; on other days, fish, mushrooms, cereals can be included in the diet and flavored with vegetable oil.
Uspensky
A month after Petrov, the Assumption Fast begins. In 2019, it falls on the period from August 14 to August 27. Installed as a sign of solidarity with the Mother of God, who incessantly fasted and prayed before her relocation to heaven.
The menu is similar to that compiled for the Great, i.e. Monday, Wednesday, Friday - dry eating, Saturday and Sunday - hot food flavored with vegetable oil, Tuesday, Thursday - a ban on fats. On August 19, in honor of the Transfiguration of the Lord, you are allowed to treat yourself to a fish dish.
Christmas
40 days before the Nativity of Christ (from November 28 to January 6), the winter fast begins, which is symbolically called Christmas fast.
The Nativity Fast is often called Philippov, because it begins after the day of remembrance of the Apostle Philip.
You should eat according to a program similar to Petrov’s fast. After December 4, fish is allowed on Saturdays and Sundays, but on January 6 you must refuse it, as well as any food before the appearance of the first star.
One-day
In addition to long fasts in Orthodoxy, there are 3 one-day fasts during which you can eat plant foods with oil, but you should abstain from fish.
Epiphany Christmas Eve
On January 18, Orthodox Christians prepare for cleansing and sanctification; therefore, abstinence from food of animal origin is required.
Beheading of John the Baptist
There should also be a Lenten fast on the day of remembrance and death of the great Prophet John, which falls on September 11th.
Exaltation of the Holy Cross
As a sign of remembrance of the suffering of the Savior for the good of the human race, on September 27, one must refuse non-fasting food and spend time in prayer and repentance for sins.
Solid weeks
There are 5 weeks (weeks) in the Orthodox calendar, during which you do not need to limit yourself in food on Wednesdays and Fridays:
- 01/7/2019-01/18/2019 - Christmastide;
- 02/18/2019-02/23/2019 ‒ The Publican and the Pharisee;
- 4.03.2019-10.03.2019 ‒ Maslenitsa (cheese week). You only need to give up meat;
- 04/28/2019-05/04/2019 ‒ Easter;
- 06/17/2019-06/23/2019 ‒ Trinity.
All Souls Days
In no case should we forget about our loved ones who have passed away. There are even several days in the church calendar on which it is recommended to visit the graves of relatives and say prayers for them. In 2019, parenting days fall on:
- March 4, 23 and 30;
- April 6;
- May 7 (Radonitsa), May 9 (commemoration of deceased soldiers);
- June 15 (Ecumenical Trinity Parents' Saturday);
- November 2 (Dimitrievskaya parent Saturday).
Video: how to fast correctly
Orthodox fasting is an ascetic practice and an ancient religious tradition, the basis of which is a temporary refusal to eat and drink, entertainment and other external pleasures. It combines physical, spiritual and mental fasts, which are closely intertwined with each other. The main purpose of Orthodox Lent is to prepare the spirit, soul and body on the path to salvation.
The essence of Fasting is complete cleansing of spirit, soul and body. The period during which you should avoid food of animal origin, attending social events and various entertainment. It is also advisable to limit communication in order to avoid negative emotions, quarrels and irritability, and devote time to visiting temples and focus on reading prayers.
The posts have their own characteristics and certain restrictions, and the dates of some of them are transitional. The calendar of fasts and meals for 2019 helps every Orthodox believer prepare in advance for this important event. When determining the date of Lent, you should remember that all calendar events begin and end at midnight.
Calendar of Orthodox fasts and meals for 2019
Degrees of fasting
All Posts in the Charter have a special definition - depending on the permitted and prohibited products. Fasts can be one-day or multi-day and have six degrees of severity:
- All products are allowed except meat, (for the laity) it happens only on Maslenitsa.
- Everything is allowed except: meat, eggs and dairy products.
- All plant foods that have undergone heat treatment are allowed, except fried ones. Vegetable oil and wine. Prohibited: meat, eggs, milk, fish and seafood.
- Hot food cooked without vegetable oil is allowed. Wine is also prohibited.
- Complete abstinence from all food and drink.
Bakery products, raw, dried and soaked (pickled) vegetables and fruits are allowed. Restriction: All fruits and vegetables are consumed individually at one time.
Great (fortieth) Lent
The most important event of the year for every Orthodox Christian is preparation for Easter.
The first and seventh weeks are strict. On the first day, fasting is a complete refusal of food.
Multi-day fasts Continuous weeks (weeks)
- Christmas time January 7 - January 18. The Church Charter prohibits the refusal of modest food, bowing and the carnal joy of a wedding.
- The Publican and the Pharisee February 18 - February 24. For lay people, loving food is permitted; for monks, meat remains prohibited.
- Maslenitsa March 4 - March 10.
- Svetlaya April 29 - May 5. The last day of the meat eater.
- Troitskaya June 17 - June 23. Ecumenical Saturday on the eve of Meat Sunday.
Fast on all days except Wednesdays and Fridays
Multi-day Petrov fast
Strict fasting (dry eating) on Wednesday and Friday.
Lenten meal rules
The Church Charter defines fairly strict rules for meals during Lent, which are intended to be followed in monasteries. These rules may apply to some laity, for which the blessing of a confessor should be obtained. Lay people are allowed some relaxations, which may depend on various household factors, as well as age and general health.
Xerophagy
One of the strictest rules for meals, which usually applies only to clergy. For lay people, it is allowed to eat baked fruits and vegetables, and herbal teas (warm) are allowed. It is advisable to receive the blessing of a Church minister for dry eating so as not to harm your health.
Allowed for dry eating are: products of non-animal origin that have not been subjected to heat treatment. The list of permitted products includes: bread (crackers), water, salt, vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, honey, pickles, nuts (seeds). When permission is granted, the following are added to the diet: olives (olive fruits), seaweed, boiled peas, beans and corn, and cabbage.
Meat eaters
On non-fasting days, you can eat meat.
Lenten food
During Lent, it is very important to follow the rules of nutrition: for elderly people, children under 16 years of age and pregnant women, it is not recommended to follow complete strictness. If you have chronic diseases, it is advisable to completely abstain from eating, as this can be harmful to health. If you have an allergic reaction to certain types of products, their replacement is allowed.
Any homemade preparations, pickles and jams, compotes and dried fruits are suitable for cooking. An excellent and healthy alternative to sugar is honey, which will make any food tasty and nutritious. The basis of lean nutrition is vegetables, cereals and mushrooms. Root vegetables, nuts, legumes and fresh greens provide everything your body needs.
The use of jam and pickles requires restrictions - overeating, abuse of too sweet, salty and spicy foods offends spiritual humility. Cereal porridges and legumes can be cooked in water or vegetable broth. Steamed or grilled vegetables are suitable as a side dish.
It is advisable to avoid soy products and use beans, lentils and other legumes as a replacement for meat. You can eat any bread, but it is better to bake it at home to be sure that eggs and dairy products were not used to knead the dough.
On days when relaxation is permissible, you should also not abuse permitted products. It is advisable to steam, boil or grill fish and seafood. It is advisable to avoid smoked meats and expensive seafood. If drinking wine is allowed, we are talking about a moderate portion of 0.5-1 glass at dinner. Alcohol intoxication is contrary to the concept of abstinence, so it is important to adhere to moderation.
Nutrition rules during Lent
- During the first and after weeks, the menu should be as strict as possible in accordance with the calendar.
- The Lenten diet is based on one meal per day. Lunch and dinner are available on holidays and weekends.
- You cannot replace cold and hot food.
Nutrition after Lent
The digestive system becomes unaccustomed to large amounts of food, fried and fatty foods, so it is very important to correctly switch to the usual diet. All foods prohibited for consumption during Lent should be introduced into the diet gradually, not in large portions.
To prevent the body from experiencing stress, you should limit the amount of salt and spices. You should not abuse alcoholic beverages immediately after the end of the Fast.
The most important Orthodox holidays are distinguished by especially solemn divine services. The biggest and brightest event in the Christian church calendar is Easter. It has a special status and the most solemn service. The date of celebration is determined according to the solar-lunar calendar and is unique for each year (falls from April 4 to May 8).
The remaining great holidays are divided into twelfth and non-twelfth holidays.
Twelve's- These are the 12 most important holidays of the Orthodox calendar, dedicated to the events of the earthly life of Jesus Christ and the Mother of God. They are divided into two categories:
- Intransient
They have a fixed date and fall on the same date every year. These include 9 twelve holidays. - Transitional
They have a unique date for each year, which depends on the date of Easter and moves with it. These include 3 twelve holidays.
Non-Twelfths- these are 5 great holidays of the Orthodox Church, dedicated to the birth and death of John the Baptist - the baptizer of Jesus Christ, the apostles Peter and Paul, the appearance of the Mother of God, the circumcision of the Lord and the memory of St. Basil.
Orthodox fasts and continuous weeks
Fast– a period of food restriction during which you should refrain from eating food of animal origin.
There are 4 multi-day fasts: Great, Petrov (Apostolic), Assumption, Christmas and 3 one-day fasts: Epiphany Eve, Beheading of John the Baptist and Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord. There is also a fast on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Solid weeks- these are the weeks during which fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays is canceled. There are 5 such weeks in a year: Christmastide, Publican and Pharisee, Cheese (meat is prohibited), Easter, Trinity.
Days of special remembrance of the dead
On days of general remembrance of all deceased Christians, it is customary to visit the graves of deceased relatives and pray for them. In the circle of the liturgical year, such dates are: Ecumenical Parental Saturday, 2-4 Saturdays of Great Lent, Radonitsa, Commemoration of the Deceased Soldiers, Trinity and Dimitrievskaya Parental Saturdays.