The most important Orthodox holidays are distinguished by a particularly solemn service. 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 the celebration is determined by the solar-lunar calendar and is unique for each year (falls between April 4 and May 8).
The rest of the great holidays are divided into twelve and non-twelve.
Twelve- these are 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:
- Intransitive
They have a fixed date, each year falls on the same date. These include 9 twelve holidays. - Carryover
They have a date that is unique for each year, which depends on the date of the celebration of Easter and moves with it. These include 3 twelve holidays.
Non-twelve- these are 5 great holidays of the Orthodox Church, dedicated to the birth and death of John the Baptist - the Baptist 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- the period of restriction in food, during which one should refrain from eating food of animal origin.
There are 4 multi-day fasting: Great, Petrov (Apostolic), Assumption, Christmas and 3 one-day: Eve of the Epiphany, the Beheading of John the Baptist and the Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord. There is also a fast on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Continuous weeks- these are weeks during which fasting is canceled on Wednesdays and Fridays. There are 5 such weeks in the year: Christmastide, Publican and Pharisee, Cheese (meat is prohibited), Easter, Trinity.
Days of special commemoration of the departed
On the days of general commemoration of all dead 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 departed soldiers, Trinity and Dimitrievskaya parental Saturdays.
There are several important tools in the life of an Orthodox Christian that help to set up your day, remember God and His commandments. And do it all the time, not from time to time. One of them is the Orthodox calendar for 2019 with an indication of all holidays, church events, commemoration of the saints of God.
The table from the phone can be viewed horizontallyTwelve and rolling holidays | ||
date | Holiday name | Event |
September 21st | Nativity of the Blessed Virgin | The birth of the Virgin Mary is a gift to her righteous parents Joachim and Anna. |
September 27 | Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord | 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 deceased. |
October 14 | Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos | 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 to people who were in danger, then she took off her veil and covered the praying Christians with it. |
4 december | Introduction to the Church of the Most Holy Theotokos | 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 | The Nativity of Jesus Christ | The birth of the Savior of the human race. |
January 19 | Baptism or Epiphany | Great consecration of all the waters of the earth, in honor of the Baptism of Jesus Christ. |
February, 15 | Meeting the Lord | Bringing baby Jesus to the temple on the 40th day. Candles are blessed on this day. |
7 april | Annunciation | The name of the holiday comes from the meeting of the Archangel Gabriel and the Virgin Mary. Archangel Gabriel brought the Virgin Mary the good news about her destiny to become the Mother of God and the birth of the Savior. |
The 21st of April (rolling date) |
The Lord's Entry into Jerusalem or Palm Sunday | Memories of the royal glorification and the meeting of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem shortly before his crucifixion. |
28 april (rolling date) |
EASTER | The main Christian holiday. Resurrection of Jesus Christ after the crucifixion. |
June 6th (rolling date) |
Ascension of the Lord | The Savior, being in human flesh, ascended into the Kingdom of God, in front of his disciples (apostles), paving the way for all mankind. |
June 16 (rolling date) |
Trinity | 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 confesses the union of two hypostases in Jesus Christ - human and divine. |
August 28 | Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos | The day of the repose of the Virgin. |
- The form of the Orthodox calendar can be printed or electronic.
- Content - short or extended.
- Format from pocket books to multi-page books.
The Orthodox calendar for each day helps to orientate a Christian in spiritual life. It is useful to familiarize yourself with what church holidays and weekends 2019 is full in order to plan pilgrimage trips, vacations, family events or activities.
The Orthodox calendar for each day helps to orientate a Christian in spiritual life
Major holidays in 2019
Each year the Church New Year begins on September 14 New Style (N.S.) Old Style September 1. The changes to the calendar were made by Peter I. Thus, a new and old style appeared. In the Orthodox calendar of 2019, when the dates are designated, the new date is mentioned, and in parentheses the "old" date of the holiday.
Orthodox holidays have basic, non-changing dates and rolling dates for holidays. Twelve great Orthodox holidays do not have rolling, 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 must be systematic and constant. A visit to the church on major holidays is necessary, but it does not serve the main purpose 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, will become food for the soul.
When there is not enough time for spiritual reading, and the rhythm of life leads to vanity with the help of reading the Orthodox calendar, it is easier to maintain spiritual work and Christian discipline.
Reading will take no more than half an hour, and the mood will be set for a whole working day. And often the words of the instructions of the saints on 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 along with God.
The book format is filled with quotes, sayings of the saints of God, advice and experience of the Christian life. Large print does not strain the eyes, which is important at any age. As a rule, it contains a photo of icons and much more information. You can choose the Orthodox calendar for 2019 according to the subject in accordance with the spiritual needs:
- children - will discipline the child in Christian exploits, teach prayer work, be an active Christian;
- female - contains recommendations on the rules of behavior, advice on housekeeping, examples and exploits of holy wives, instructions from Orthodox ascetics;
- church fasts - recipes for fasting dishes will help you withstand strict fasts and live fasting days without violations, tasty and nutritious;
- the lives of the saints and many other collections.
Everyone knows that this holiday commemorated the event when Jesus first visited Jerusalem. On this day, it is customary to illuminate the willow branches.
We will tell you how this holiday originated, its main traditions, and what date Palm Sunday will come in 2019.
A believer, he must observe all church holidays. It gives meaning to life and brings you closer to God.
This page contains information about the church holidays in October 2018. We will tell you about the most famous holidays and fasts, and in the table-calendar we will post a complete list of Orthodox events.
The holiday that follows Easter, 50 days later, is called the Holy Trinity.
In Orthodoxy, this holiday is one of the most important. And even people who are distant from faith in God celebrate it. Since the Holy Trinity has a floating date, it is celebrated every year on a different day. When the feast of Trinity comes in 2019, we will find out from this article.
To remain a true believer, you just need to observe Great Lent in 2019.
This article will tell you when to start this fast, how to eat, and when it ends. The food rules are scheduled from Monday to Sunday for the given 40 days.
This article will focus on the Catholic faith, and in particular, on the list of the main holidays and fasts that await Catholics in 2018.
People of other religions are increasingly common in our lives. And it is always useful to keep abreast of the Catholic holidays that are expected in 2018.
Faith in God, and that there is life after death, helps many to live. As in any other faith, in Orthodoxy there are a lot of holidays and traditions that are honored by a believer.
The Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos in 2018, as in any other year, is scheduled for the month of August. From this article we will find out the exact date of this holiday, as well as some of the features of its celebration.
The faith of true Orthodox Christians must be confirmed by observing the rules of conduct for certain church holidays. 2018 will be no exception.
February is rich in fasting and holidays. To learn about the main church events of this period, this material will help, which follows.
Despite the fact that many believers know Orthodox holidays and fasts by heart, the rolling dates are based on Easter and change every year. Therefore, it is necessary to have the Orthodox calendar 2019 on hand in order not to miss important religious days. Also, the calendar will tell you when you need to refrain from life's pleasures, for what period Palm Sunday, Bright Week, Ascension and Pentecost fall.
Church calendar for 2019 with holidays and fasting in a new style
List of twelve rolling holidays
List of twelve non-rolling holidays
January | 7 | |
Epiphany | January | 19 |
Presentation of the Lord | February | 15 |
Annunciation to the Most Holy Theotokos | April | 7 |
Transfiguration | August | 19 |
Dormition of the Virgin | August | 28 |
Nativity of the Blessed Virgin | September | 21 |
Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord | September | 27 |
Introduction to the temple of the Most Holy Theotokos | December | 4 |
Great Church Feasts
Circumcision of the Lord | January | 14 |
Easter | April | 28 |
The Nativity of John the Baptist | July | 7 |
Of the Holy Primate Apostles Peter and Paul | July | 12 |
Beheading of John the Baptist | September | 11 |
Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos | October | 14 |
Multi-day and one-day fasts with daily nutrition table
Great post
Week / day | What can you eat |
1 week "Triumph of Orthodoxy" | |
11th of March | refusal to eat |
12 - 15 March | dry eating, black bread |
March 16 - 17 | |
2 week of "St. Gregory Palamas" | |
18 - 20, 22 March | dry eating, black bread |
March 19, 21 | |
23, 24 March | boiled, stewed vegetables, fruits, vegetable oil, wine |
3 week "Christ of the Cross" | |
March 25, 27, 29 | dry eating, black bread |
March 26, 28 | boiled, stewed vegetables without oil, fruits |
March 30 - 31 | boiled, stewed vegetables, fruits, vegetable oil, wine |
4th week of "St. John of the Ladder" | |
April 1, 3, 5 | dry eating, black bread |
April 2, 4 | boiled, stewed vegetables, fruits, vegetable oil, wine |
6 april | |
7 april | |
5 week of "Venerable Mary of Egypt" | |
April 8, 10, 12 | dry eating, black bread |
April 9, 11 | boiled, stewed vegetables, fruits, vegetable oil |
April 13, 14 | boiled, stewed vegetables, fruits, vegetable oil, wine |
6 week "Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem" | |
April 15, 17, 19 | dry eating, black bread |
April 16, 18 | boiled, stewed vegetables, fruits, vegetable oil |
20 April | fish caviar, boiled, stewed vegetables, fruits, vegetable oil, wine |
The 21st of April | fish, boiled, stewed vegetables, fruits, vegetable oil, wine |
7 week "Holy Week" | |
April 22 - 25 | fruits, vegetables, dried fruits without heat treatment |
26 April | refusal to eat |
April 27 | dry eating, black bread |
April 28, Easter | breaking the fast |
Petrov post
In 2019, abstinence from life's pleasures and benefits is held from June 24 to July 11. Fasting is less strict than the Great Fast. The table shows meals for the first week. Then the diet is repeated in the same sequence.
Number | What can you eat |
June 24, Monday | |
Wed 25 | fish, seafood |
Wed 26 | xerophagy |
27 th | fish, seafood |
Fri 28 | xerophagy |
Sat 29 | fish, seafood |
June 30, Sunday | fish, seafood |
Assumption Fast
A stricter fast is held from 14 to 27 August. The table shows how to eat during the first week. Then the diet is repeated in the same sequence.
Number | How to eat |
August 14, Wednesday | xerophagy |
15 th | boiled, stewed vegetables, mushrooms, cereals without oil, fruits |
Friday 16 | xerophagy |
17 Sat | boiled, stewed vegetables, mushrooms, cereals without oil, fruits |
18, sun | xerophagy |
19, Mon | |
August 20, Tuesday | boiled, stewed vegetables, mushrooms, cereals with butter, fruits |
Christmas post
Held from November 28 to January 6. Depending on the approach to Christmas, the diet changes.
Number | What can you eat |
November 28 to December 19 | |
Mon | boiled, stewed vegetables, mushrooms, cereals without oil, fruits |
W | fish, seafood |
Wed | xerophagy |
NS | fish, seafood |
Fri | xerophagy |
Sat | fish, seafood |
Sun | fish, seafood |
December 20 to January 1 | |
Mon | boiled, stewed vegetables, mushrooms, cereals without oil, fruits |
W | boiled, stewed vegetables, mushrooms, cereals with butter, fruits |
Wed | xerophagy |
NS | fish, seafood |
Fri | xerophagy |
Sat | fish, seafood |
Sun | fish, seafood |
January 2-6 | |
Mon | xerophagy |
W | boiled, stewed vegetables, mushrooms, cereals without oil, fruits |
Wed | xerophagy |
NS | boiled, stewed vegetables, mushrooms, cereals without oil, fruits |
Fri | xerophagy |
Sat | boiled, stewed vegetables, mushrooms, cereals with butter, fruits |
Sun | boiled, stewed vegetables, mushrooms, cereals with butter, fruits |
One-day fasts: how to eat
- Epiphany Eve - January 18 (boiled, stewed vegetables, mushrooms, cereals without oil, fruits).
- Beheading of John the Baptist - September 11 (dry eating or refusal to eat).
- Exaltation of the Holy Cross - September 27 (boiled, stewed vegetables, mushrooms, cereals with butter, fruits).
Days of commemoration of deceased parents and relatives
According to tradition, believers go to church in the morning to pray for deceased relatives or order a magpie for repose. Later they come to the graves with treats, invite the priest to perform a requiem at the cemetery.
- Ecumenical Parent Saturday - March 2
- Saturday 1 week of Lent - March 23
- Saturday 3 weeks of Lent - March 30
- Saturday 4 weeks of Lent - April 6
- Radonitsa - May 7
- Ecumenical Trinity Parental Saturday - June 15
- Dimitrievskaya parental Saturday - November 2
Printed version of the Orthodox calendar 2019
In this video, Archpriest Vladimir Golovin (rector of the Church of Abraham, confessor of the appointing commission of the Chistopol Diocese of the Tatarstan Metropolitanate of the Russian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate) will tell you how to remember the departed relatives correctly:
Orthodox fasting is an ascetic practice and an ancient religious tradition, the basis of which is the temporary refusal to eat and drink, entertainment and other external pleasures. It combines bodily, spiritual and mental posts, which are closely intertwined with each other. The main goal of Orthodox Lent is to prepare the spirit, soul and body on the path to salvation.
The essence of Fasting is the complete purification of the spirit, soul and body. The period in which you should refuse food of animal origin, attendance at 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, focus on reading prayers.
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 to 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
Fasting degrees
All Posts in the Charter have a specific 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 laymen) there is only Shrovetide.
- Everything is allowed except: meat, eggs and dairy products.
- All cooked plant foods are allowed, except fried foods. Vegetable oil and wine. Forbidden: meat, eggs, milk, fish and seafood.
- Hot food, cooked without vegetable oil, is allowed. Wine is also banned.
- Complete abstinence from any food or drink.
Baked goods, raw, dried and pickled (pickled) vegetables and fruits are allowed. Restriction: All fruits and vegetables are consumed separately at one time.
Great (fortieth) fast
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)
- Christmastide January 7 - January 18. The Church Charter prohibits the refusal of meager food, bows and the fleshly joy of a wedding.
- Publican and Pharisee February 18 - February 24. For the laity, loving food is allowed; for the monks, meat remains prohibited.
- Shrovetide March 4 - March 10.
- Bright April 29 - May 5. The last day of the meat-eater.
- Troitskaya June 17 - June 23. Ecumenical Saturday on the eve of Meat Sunday.
Fasting all days except Wednesday and Friday
The multi-day Petrov post
Strict fasting (dry eating) on Wednesday and Friday.
Lean meal rules
The Church Charter defines quite strict rules for eating in Lent, which are intended to be performed in monasteries. These rules may apply to some lay people, for which one should receive the blessing of the spiritual father. Some indulgences are allowed for laypeople, which may depend on various factors in the home, as well as age and general health.
Xerophagy
One of the strictest rules for a meal, which usually only applies to clergy. For laymen, baked fruits and vegetables are allowed, herbal teas (warm) are allowed. For dry eating, it is advisable to receive the blessing of a minister of the Church, so as not to harm health.
Allowed for dry eating: non-animal products that have not been cooked. The list of permitted products includes: bread (crackers), water, salt, vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, honey, pickles, nuts (seeds). With permission for indulgence, the following are added to the diet: olives (olives), seaweed, boiled peas, beans and corn, cabbage.
Meat eaters
On days of fasting, you can eat meat food.
Lean food
During Lent, it is very important to follow the rules of nutrition: the elderly, children under 16, and pregnant women are not recommended to be strictly strict. In the presence of chronic diseases, it is advisable to completely abandon abstinence in food, as this can be harmful to health. If there is an allergic reaction to certain types of products, their replacement is allowed.
Any homemade products, pickles and preserves, compotes and dried fruits are suitable for cooking. An excellent and healthy alternative to sugar is honey, which will make any food delicious and nutritious. Vegetables, cereals and mushrooms are the basis of lean nutrition. Root vegetables, nuts, legumes and fresh herbs provide the body with everything it needs.
The use of jams and pickles requires restrictions - overeating, the abuse of too sweet, salty and spicy food offends spiritual humility. Cereal porridge and legumes can be cooked in water or vegetable broths. Steamed or grilled vegetables are suitable as a side dish.
It is advisable to refuse soy products, and use beans, lentils and other legumes as a substitute for meat. Any bread can be eaten, but it is best to bake it at home to make sure that no eggs or dairy products are used to knead the dough.
On days when indulgence is acceptable, you should also not abuse the permitted products. It is advisable to steam, boil or grill fish and seafood. It is advisable to refuse from smoked meats and expensive seafood. If wine is allowed, we are talking about a moderate portion of 0.5-1 glass at dinner. Drunkenness goes against the concept of abstinence, so it is important to stick to the measure.
Fast food rules
- During the first and after the week, the menu should be observed should be as strict as possible in accordance with the calendar.
- The lean diet is one meal per day. Lunch and dinner are allowed on public holidays and weekends.
- You can not replace cold and hot food.
Eating after Lent
The digestive system weaned from a large amount of food, fried and fatty foods, so it is very important to correctly switch to the usual diet. All foods that are prohibited during Lent should be introduced into the diet gradually, in small portions.
So that the body does not experience stress, you should limit the amount of salt and spices. One should not abuse alcoholic beverages immediately after the end of the Fast.