Christian Holy Days

Fall 2023 Spring 2024

Dormition of the Theotokos – Orthodox Christian

The Orthodox Christian commemoration of the death and burial of the Virgin Mary.

Passion of St. John the Baptist – Catholic Christian

Christian remembrance of the death of John who is known for preparing the people so they would recognize Jesus as the Messiah.

Ecclesiastical year begins – Orthodox Christian

The way a Christian Church arranges a calendar of time and sets dates of special importance.

Nativity of Mary – Christian

A Christian celebration of the birth of the Virgin Mary.

Holy Cross Day – Christian

A Christian day of recognition for the Cross on which Jesus was crucified as a central symbol of the Christian religion.

Meskel – Ethiopian Orthodox Christian

Ethiopian and Eritrean Orthodox Christian commemoration of the discovery of the True Cross by Queen Eleni (St. Helena) in the 4th century a.d.

Saint Francis Day – Christian

Christian recognition of service to people and appreciation of the natural world, as practiced by St. Francis and the Franciscan Monastic Order which he founded.

Saint George Day – Christian

Christian remembrance of a person who, in the 4th century, was a martyr and became an ideal of martial valor and selflessness. Legend of killing a dragon is connected with this patron saint of England.

Reformation Day – Protestant Christian

Protestant Christian anniversary of their tradition and its emphasis on the place of the Bible and religious Freedom. On October 31, 1517 c.e. Martin Luther posted a belief statement on Wittenbeg Church door. The date of public observation is the Sunday before October 31.

Milvain Bridge Day – Christian

Christian day of solemn reflection on the relationship of the spiritual community and the powers of civil government. On October 28, 312 c.e., Emperor Constantine prevailed in a battle and proceeded to make Christianity the legal religion of the Roman Empire.

All Hallow’s Eve – Christian

Christian celebration of mystery combining prayers and merriment involving children and families. It is a prelude to All Saint’s Day.

All Saints Day – Christian

Christian day for honoring saints, known and unknown. In general, saints are persons with a reputation for unusual lives of holiness and devotion to God or who were martyred for their faith. A Holy Day of Obligation in the Roman Catholic Church where saints have special formal status.

All Souls Day – Catholic Christian

Christian day of prayers of remembrance and intercession for the dead. Prayers of the faithful are seen as helping to cleanse the souls for the beatific vision of God in heaven.

Christ the King – Christian

Christian celebration of the preeminence of Jesus over all earthly authorities.

Advent – Christian

Christian time of preparation for observing the birth of Jesus Christ. Advent begins on the Sunday nearest November 30 and is the beginning of the Christian worship year. Advent is observed with the lighting of advent candles, display of wreaths, and special ceremonies. Advent also anticipates the coming again to earth of Jesus Christ. The season continues through December 24.

Saint Nicholas Day – Christian

Christian celebration of the birth of Saint Nicholas, patron saint of children and role model for gift giving. Many churches are named for this saint who is also the Dutch version of Santa Claus.

Immaculate – Catholic Christian

Catholic Christian day of celebrating the belief that Mary, mother of Jesus, was peserved from original sin all of her life. A day of obligation and required church attendance.

Feast of our Lady of Guadalupe – Catholic Christian

Catholic Christian honoring of a legendary appearance of the Virgin Mary near Mexico City in 1531 c.e.

Posadas Navidenas – Christian

Hispanic Christian feast of the Lodgings commemorating the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem in preparation for the birth of Jesus.

Yule – Christian

A Norse Pagan celebration of the winter-born king, symbolized by the rebirth of the sun. A present day Wicca event.

Christmas Eve – Christian

Christian celebration of the arrival of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus. It is observed with worship, candle-lighting, manager scenes and festive meals.

Christmas – Christian

Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Observed by prayers, exchanging of gifts, and family parties.

St. Stephen’s Day – Christian

A day of remembrance of St Stephen, the first Christian martyr.

Holy Innocents – Christian

Christian day of solemn memory of male children killed by King Herod in the attempt to destroy Jesus.

Feast of the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God – Catholic Christian

A celebration of the holiness of Mary as the chosen bearer of Jesus.

Epiphany – Christian

End of the 12 days of Christmas; celebrates visit of the three kings to baby Jesus; especially important to Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholics.

Clean Monday (Lent Begins) – Orthodox Christian

Period of preparation for Easter, usually 40 days before. Clean Monday signifies the beginning of the Lenten period.

Ash Wednesday (Lent Begins) – Christian

Begins Christian Lent; name derives from symbolic use of ashes to signify penitence.

Palm Sunday – Christian

Celebrates the arrival of Jesus into Jerusalem during Passover. Usually reenacted by the waving of palm branches and the singing of songs. This also commemorates the beginning of Holy Week.

Maundy Thursday – Christian

Also known as Holy Thursday, this day celebrates the institution of the Eucharist (or Holy Communion) at Jesus’ Last Supper.

Good Friday – Christian

The Friday of Jesus’ crucifixion.

Easter – Christian

Celebration of the resurrection of Christ.

Easter – Orthodox Christian

Celebration of the resurrection of Christ.

Ascension Day – Christian

Celebrates Jesus’ ascent into heaven.

Pentecost – Christian

Fifty days after Easter, this time celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon early Christians following the ascension of Jesus.

Corpus Christi – Catholic Christian

This is a feast in honor of the institution of the Eucharist during the Last Supper.