Happy New Year!
Today, September 1st, is the first day of the Eastern liturgical calendar. Unlike the Western calendar, which begins with the 1st Sunday of Advent, the Eastern calendar always begins on September 1st, and it revolves around the Twelve Great Feasts:
- The Nativity of the Theotokos (September 8th)
- The Exaltation of the Cross (September 14th)
- The Presentation of the Theotokos (November 21st)
- The Nativity of Christ (December 25th)
- The Baptism of Christ (or Theophany, also called Epiphany) (January 6th)
- The Presentation of Jesus at the Temple (February 2nd)
- The Annunciation (March 25th)
- The Entry into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday) (Sunday before Pascha)
- Ascension of Christ (40 Days after Pascha)
- Pentecost (50 Days after Pascha)
- The Transfiguration (August 6th)
- The Dormition (Falling Asleep) of the Theotokos (August 15th)
Pascha (Easter) is not included because it is the “Feast of Feasts”.
If you see an Eastern Christian today, be sure to tell them Happy New Year!
