The main Orthodox holidays are of religious significance. The most important Orthodox holidays
In the divine service of the Orthodox Church there are twelve great feasts of the annual liturgical circle (except for the feast of Easter). They are divided into Lord's, dedicated to Jesus Christ, and Theotokos, dedicated to the Most Holy Theotokos. To the great ... ... Political science. Vocabulary.
12 most important Orthodox church holidays: December 25 (January 7) Nativity of Christ, January 6 (19) Epiphany (Epiphany), February 2 (15) Meeting, March 25 (April 7) Annunciation, a week before Easter, entry into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday ), 40 ... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary
TWO, and, numbered. quantity (old). The same as twelve. The invasion of twelve languages (about Napoleon's army during the Patriotic War of 1812). Ozhegov's Explanatory Dictionary. S.I. Ozhegov, N.Yu. Shvedova. 1949 1992 ... Ozhegov's Explanatory Dictionary
- (also the twelfth holidays) the twelve most important holidays after Easter in Orthodoxy. Dedicated to the events of the earthly life of Jesus Christ and the Mother of God, are among the great holidays, in the Typicon are marked with a red cross in a full circle ... Wikipedia
TWO HOLIDAYS- The most important Orthodox church holidays (see church *, Orthodoxy *). Twelve feasts are celebrated in honor of the most important events in the earthly life of Jesus Christ and his mother, the Theotokos. There are twelve of these special holidays, so they are called ... ... Linguistic and Cultural Dictionary
TWO HOLIDAYS- Salary of the Gospel with the image of the holidays. Serbia. Beginning XVI century (MRSC) Salary of the Gospel with the image of the holidays. Serbia. Beginning XVI century (MRSC) [twenties] [greek. Ϫωδεκάορτον], 12 holidays, in Orthodoxy. traditions considered most important after ... ... Orthodox encyclopedia
12 most important Orthodox church holidays: December 25 (January 7) Nativity of Christ, January 6 (19) Epiphany (Epiphany), February 2 (15) Meeting, March 25 (April 7) Annunciation, a week before Easter The Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem ... ... encyclopedic Dictionary
twenties- a stable combination of the Twelve most important Orthodox holidays: Christmas / Christ / on January 7 (December 25), Baptism of the Lord / day on January 19 (6), Wed / February 15 (2), Annunciation / April 7 (March 25) , Entry of the Lord / day to Jerusalem / m (Palm ... ... Popular dictionary of the Russian language
Twelfth holidays- the twelve most important church holidays after Easter. Some of them have dates fixed once and for all: Christmas on December 25 / January 7, Epiphany (Baptism of the Lord) on January 6/19, Meeting of the Lord on February 2/15, Annunciation ... ... Orthodox encyclopedic dictionary
Great Holidays of the Russian Orthodox Church. These include: The Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem (a week before Easter) Ascension of the Lord (on the 40th day after Easter) Trinity (Pentecost, the Descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles) (on the 50th day after Easter) Baptism ... Religious terms
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- , Matveevsky P. .. Twelve feasts dedicated to the most important events in the earthly life of the Lord and the Mother of God are the center of the liturgical life of our Church. The texts of the services of these days are filled with reflections on ...
- Feasts of the Twelve and Holy Pascha, Archpriest Matveyevsky Pavel. The twelve feasts, dedicated to the most important events of the earthly life of the Lord and the Mother of God, are the center of the liturgical life of our Church. The texts of the services of these days are filled with reflections on ...
Twelfth holidays- these are twelve holidays dedicated to the events of the earthly life of Jesus Christ and the Mother of God. All twelve holidays are included in the number of holidays, but they are inferior to " holiday of holidays and celebration of celebrations» - .
According to the theme, all twelve holidays are divided into Master's and Mother of God, and according to the time of the celebration - into transitional (mobile) and non-transitional (motionless). There are nine holidays that do not pass, and three that pass. Services twelve festivals of the fixed circle are located in the Menstruation Minea, where services are located for saints and holidays for each day of the year. Services twelfth holidays rolling circle are located in the Lenten and Color Triodes, where all the services of the Easter cycle are recorded. All twelve celebrations have forefeast, afterfeast and giving.
The significance of twelve holidays in Orthodoxy
Twelve feasts are important for every believer who regularly attends and observes all fasts. This importance was predetermined by our distant ancestors, from the time of the existence of the Theotokos and Jesus Christ. In most modern states, cultural, folk and religious traditions are closely intertwined. Even in spite of the functionality of the electronic age, we still cannot abandon the historical heritage that keeps multiple wonders, secrets and secrets. In Russia, until 1925, all twelve holidays were also state holidays. The solemnity and observance of the importance of such holidays have not lost their relevance in our time. Some of them are officially celebrated in most countries of the world when citizens are exempt from labor and work. The approval at the legislative level of interaction between the State and the Church once again confirms this theory.
Twelve non-passing holidays
Intransitive, that is, fixed holidays from year to year, for many centuries, have a constant date. It is worth noting that in almost all Orthodox calendars, holidays are celebrated in the new and in the old style (written in brackets). Nativity of the Blessed Virgin accepted to read September 21... Why do we mention this holiday in the first place? Just because old-style calculus church calendar starts exactly from September 1. This is what the legend says, because the approval of this holiday took place back in the distant fourth century. The Most Holy Theotokos, she is the Virgin Mary, was born into a family of poor and rather elderly, but from this no less happy spouses, on September 8 (old style), that is, on September 21 in a new way, in distant Nazareth. The maiden became the mother of Jesus Christ as a result of the Immaculate Conception, and therefore could not be otherwise than her canonizing the Saints.
Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord celebrated September 27... Dedication in a certain sense to the cross, as a symbol of eternal and heavenly life, is known not only in Christianity, but also in many other religions. The cross marks the great sacrifice of Jesus Christ, as the atonement for the sins of all mankind.
The next hierarchical level is occupied by a holiday Introduction to the Temple of the Most Holy Theotokos, 4 december... On this day, for the first time and especially solemnly, three-year-old Mary was introduced into the temple in the city of Jerusalem.
Nativity, the brightest, kindest and from this no less solemn holiday, it is customary to celebrate Jan. 7... The supernatural birth of the Divine Infant from the Immaculate Virgin Mary makes him especially gracious and unusual.
Holiday Baptism of the Lord, or Epiphany, it is noted January 19. On this day, the miracle of the appearance of the Faces of the Holy Trinity takes place. Jesus Christ was baptized in the waters of the Jordan River. God the Father, with a voice from heaven, in the presence of many people, blesses him. At the same time, the Holy Spirit descends to Jesus in the form of a white dove.
The Orthodox Church, according to the gospel story, approved February, 15(new style) as a holiday Presentation of the Lord... To Elder Simeon, God himself, having announced himself in the form of the Holy Spirit, promised life on Earth until he sees Jesus Christ.
The unexpected and miraculous Good News, according to the tradition of the Church, is received by the Virgin Mary on a day 7 april... She was informed by the Holy Spirit of the Immaculate Conception and the birth of the Infant Christ. Many traditions and customs are associated with this day. This day is celebrated Annunciation.
Transfiguration(August 19) is associated with another significant event in the history of the Birth and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. On this day, he appeared to his disciples in a shining form, like the sun, in white robes, thereby confirming that there is an end to every suffering, and eternal life awaits everyone who believes in it.
Fasting before Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos (August 28). It is customary to remember the mournful day with plaintive prayers, with the aim of consoling and edifying for all Christians.
Twelve rolling holidays
One week before the celebration of Easter, it is customary to celebrate a rolling holiday. Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem, i.e Palm Sunday... On this day, Jesus Christ was received as Savior and Messiah, welcoming and recognizing him as a type of God. Clothes were laid in front of him, expecting blessing and salvation from worldly suffering.
Ascension of the Lord celebrated on the 40th day after Easter. According to legend, Jesus Christ ascends to heaven, to God the Father, thereby completing the ministry of earthly life. The holiday always falls on Thursday and reflects the sacredness of the Son's entry into the heavenly temple to His father.
The Holy Trinity falls on Sunday, the 50th day after Easter. Before this day, it is customary to celebrate Trinity Parents' Saturday and commemorate the dead.
Orthodox calendar
The calendar in Russia was called a month. It covered and described absolutely the entire year of the life of the peasants, in it certain holidays or weekdays, folk signs, all kinds of weather phenomena corresponded to each day. The Orthodox calendar is divided into two parts according to the principle of its movable and fixed parts. The most significant days of celebrations and fasts for a Christian are determined by Easter. Taking into account all the factors of the lunisolar calendar, the Easter holiday is first calculated - the most important and main holiday in every sense. The calculation of the first spring full moon immediately follows the day of the vernal equinox. The exact date of Easter itself moves within 35 days, that is, from April 4 to May 8. Thus, the date of this holiday moves, but the day of the week, that is, Sunday, remains unchanged. Fasting periods and other traditionally religious days associated with the celebration of this unique holiday for believers are counted precisely based on this principle.
The main Christian holidays are associated with the life of Jesus Christ and His Mother the Most Holy Theotokos.
These holidays are of great importance for Christians, and therefore the church has given and gives them a special solemnity.
The Christian holiday, which is the most important for Christians, is the Bright Resurrection of Christ. Christians say about him that these are "Feast Feasts and a Celebration of Celebrations." Another name for this great Christian holiday is Holy Easter (New Testament Easter).
This holiday has no fixed date. It is tied to the first spring new moon, and therefore it can be celebrated both in early April and in May.
Lower in rank, but also very significant for Christians, holidays are the twelve. They got this name because they were included in number 12. That is, the main Christian holidays, except for the Bright Resurrection, are only twelve.
These church Christian holidays are established by the church in the glory of God and our Lord Jesus Christ and His Mother the Most Pure Virgin Mary.
Here is a list of the main church celebrations.
1. Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos - September 8 (September 21, New Style).
2. Entry into the Church of the Most Holy Theotokos - November 21 (December 4, New Style).
3. The Annunciation, that is, the angelic proclamation of the Blessed Virgin Mary about the incarnation of the Son of God from Her - March 25 (April 7, New Style).
4. Nativity of Christ - December 25 (January 7, New Style).
5. Meeting of the Lord - February 2 (February 15, New Style).
6. Baptism of the Lord (Epiphany) - January 6 (January 19, n. Art.).
7. Transfiguration of the Lord - August 6 (August 19, New Style).
8. The Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday] - on the last Sunday before Easter.
9. Ascension of the Lord - on the fortieth day after Easter.
10. Descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles (Pentecost), or the day of the Holy Trinity - on the fiftieth day after Easter.
11. Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord - September 14 (September 27, New Style).
12. Dormition of the Mother of God - August 16 (August 28, New Style).
Please note: the Orthodox Church uses the old style of calculus. Therefore, as a rule, all dates are indicated exactly according to this style, and the dates in the new style are given in brackets.
The following Christian holidays are not the main ones, but they are also very much revered by the Orthodox Church and believers.
Circumcision of the Lord (New Year Old Style) - January 1 (January 14 New Year Old Style).
Intercession of the Mother of God - October 1 (October 14, New Style).
Icons of the Kazan Mother of God - October 22 (November 4, New Style).
Nativity of John the Baptist - June 24 (July 7 N.V.)
Beheading of John the Baptist - August 29 (September 11, New Style)
Of the Holy Primate Apostles Peter and Paul - June 29 (July 12, New Style).
Saint Apostle John the Theologian - on May 8 (May 21, New Style) and September 26 (October 9, New Style).
Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker - May 9 (May 22 N. Art.) And December 6 (December 19 N. Art.).
Nativity of the Blessed Virgin
The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated by the Orthodox Church on September 21 in a new style. The Feast of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos was established by the Church in ancient times; the first mention of it dates back to the 4th century.
Holy Scripture hardly speaks about the birth and circumstances of childhood of the Most Holy Theotokos, the news of this has been preserved for us by the Church Tradition.
In the Galilee city of Nazareth lived a descendant of King David Joachim with his wife Anna. The whole life of the spouses was imbued with love for God and for people. Until a ripe old age, they did not have children, although they constantly prayed to God for the gift of a child to them. Abomination in the Old Testament was considered a punishment of God, therefore, Joachim, as a person displeasing to God, was not even allowed to offer sacrifices in the temple. Righteous Anna also endured reproach (shame) for her sterility. The spouses made a vow: if they have a baby, dedicate it to God. For patience, great faith and love for God and for each other, the Lord sent Joachim and Anna great joy - at the end of their life they had a daughter. At the direction of the angel of God, the girl was named Mary.
The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is the first fixed holiday of the annual liturgical cycle. This is explained, first of all, by the spiritual significance of this event: with the birth of the Most Holy Theotokos, the Incarnation and the salvation of people became possible - the Virgin was born, worthy to become the Mother of the Savior. Therefore, in the words of church chants, the birth of the Virgin Mary became a joy for the whole world.
The troparion of the holiday: Thy Christmas, the Virgin the Virgin, joy to erect (announced) the whole universe: from Thee ascended (because from Thee) the Sun of righteousness Christ our God, and breaking the oath, gave (gave) a blessing, and abolishing death, gift ( granted) us an eternal belly.
Kontakion of the holiday: Joachim and Anna of reproach of iniquity (reproach for childlessness), and Adam and Eve from mortal aphids (destruction, death as a result of death) freed themselves (freed themselves), Most Pure, in Thy holy birth. That is celebrated by Thy people, the guilt of sins (burdens of sin) are freed (delivered), always call Ty (exclaiming to Thee): infertility (barren) gives birth to the Mother of God and the nourishment of our life.
Introduction to the Temple of the Most Holy Theotokos
The introduction into the temple of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated by the Orthodox Church on December 4th. The exact date of the establishment of the Feast of the Entry into the Temple of the Most Holy Theotokos is unknown, but already in the 8th – 9th centuries, the feast was celebrated in many Churches of the Orthodox East.
Church tradition says that in fulfillment of the vow made by the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary - to consecrate the child to God, at the age of three, the Blessed Virgin was taken to the Jerusalem temple. On the way to the temple, she was preceded by young maidens with lamps. There were 15 large steps in front of the entrance to the temple. The parents placed young Mary on the first of these steps, and at that moment a wonderful event happened: alone, not supported by adults, She ascended the high, steep steps.
The Most Pure Virgin was met by the High Priest and, by the inspiration of God, he did an unusual and surprising thing: having blessed the Virgin, He led Her into the Holy of Holies. In this part of the temple, according to the law, it was allowed to enter only once a year and only the high priest. The extraordinary introduction of the Blessed Virgin into the temple shows that She herself will become a living temple for God the Word.
The Virgin Mary lived and was brought up at the temple until the age of fourteen - the age of majority.
Troparion of the feast: Today (now) the grace of God, the premonition (premonition), and the preaching of men of salvation (preaching about the salvation of people): in the temple of God, the Virgin appears clearly and Christ foretells everything. The one and we will cry out loudly (we will cry out loudly); rejoice, watching the Zazhitelny fulfillment (fulfillment of the Divine plan for us)!
The kontakion of the holiday: the Most Pure Temple of the Savior, the many-valuable Hall and the Virgin, the sacred Treasure of the glory of God, is now introduced into the house of the Lord, the grace of the one who leads, even in the Divine Spirit (carrying grace with Him in the Divine Spirit), Yuzha (Her) is sung by the Angels of God: This is The village is heavenly.
Nativity
The great event of the Nativity of Christ is celebrated by the Church on January 7th (new style). The establishment of the celebration of the Nativity of Christ dates back to the 1st century of Christianity.
The Gospel of Matthew (1–2 chap.) And the Gospel of Luke (2 chap.) Tell about the circumstances of the birth of the Savior.
During the reign of Emperor Augustus in Rome, a nationwide census was carried out in Judea, as one of the Roman provinces. Every Jew had to go to the city where his ancestors lived and register there. Joseph and the Virgin Mary came from the dynasty of David and therefore went from Nazareth to the city of David, Bethlehem. Arriving in Bethlehem, they could not find a place for themselves in a hotel and stopped outside the city, in a cave, where the shepherds drove their cattle in inclement weather. In this cave at night the Blessed Virgin Mary gave birth to a Son - the Savior of the world. She swaddled the Divine Infant and placed Him in a manger, where the shepherds put fodder for their livestock.
The shepherds of Bethlehem were the first to know about the birth of the Savior. That night they grazed their flocks in the field. Suddenly an angel appeared before them and said to them: “Do not be afraid! I proclaim to you great joy, which will be not only for you, but for all people: now a Savior was born in the city of David (that is, Bethlehem), who is Christ the Lord. And here is a sign for you: you will find the Swaddling Baby lying in the manger. " At the same time, a multitude of heavenly hosts appeared with the angel, praising God and crying: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will among men" (Luke 2.8-14). The shepherds hurried into the cave and saw Mary, Joseph and the Child lying there in a manger. They bowed to the Baby and told about what they had seen and heard from the Angels. Mary kept all their words in her heart.
On the eighth day after the birth of the Child, His Mother and Joseph, according to the law, gave Him the name Jesus, as indicated by the angel.
Joseph and the Most Holy Mother of God with the Infant Jesus still remained in Bethlehem, as from a distant country from the east came to Jerusalem magicians (scientists, wise men). They bowed to the Baby and offered Him gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh (precious fragrant oil). All the gifts of the Magi are symbolic: they brought gold to Christ as the King (in the form of tribute), incense - as to God (because incense is used in worship), and myrrh - as a Man who must die (because at that time the dead were anointed and rubbed with fragrant oils). Tradition has preserved the names of the Magi, who later became Christians: Melchior, Gaspar and Belshazzar.
In the Incarnation, God's love and mercy for sinful people was shown. The Son of God humbled Himself, humbled Himself, put aside the greatness and glory characteristic of Him as God, and accepted the conditions of life of fallen mankind. Sin once made people enemies of God. And so God Himself became Man in order to renew human nature, to deliver people from the power of sin and to reconcile them to Himself.
Believers prepare themselves for the worthy celebration of the Nativity of Christ by fasting for forty days. In a particularly strict fast, the day before Christmas is held - it is called Christmas Eve; on this day, according to the Church Rule, it is supposed to eat sychivo (wheat with honey).
The troparion of the holiday: Thy Christmas, Christ our God, ascend the worldly light of reason (enlightened the world with the light of the knowledge of the true God): in it (through the Nativity of Christ) the stars serving (the Magi) are taught by the star (they were taught by the star) Bow down to Thee, the Sun of Truth, and Lead you, from the height of the East (to know You, the East from above), Lord, glory to You!
The kontakion of the holiday: the Virgin of the Day of the Most Substantial (ever-Existing) gives birth, and the earth brings the nativity scene to the Inaccessible, Angels praise with the shepherds, the magi travel with the star: for the sake of us being born a young child (little Youth), the Eternal God.
Baptism of the Lord or Epiphany
The baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ is celebrated by the Holy Orthodox Church on January 19th. Until the IV century, Christians celebrated baptism at the same time as the Nativity of Christ; this single holiday was called the Epiphany.
The circumstances of the Lord's Baptism are described in all four Gospels (Matt. 3.13-17; Mark 1.9-11; Luke 3.21-23; John 1.33-34).
At the time when Saint John the Forerunner was preaching, calling the people to repentance and baptizing, Jesus Christ was thirty years old, and He, like other Jews, came from Nazareth to Jordan to John the Forerunner to be baptized. John considered himself unworthy to baptize Jesus Christ and began to restrain Him, saying: “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me? But Jesus answered him: leave now (that is, do not restrain me now) because this is how we need to fulfill all righteousness ”(Matt. 3.14-15). "To fulfill all righteousness" means to fulfill everything required by the Law of God and to show people an example of fulfilling the will of God. After these words, John obeyed and baptized the Lord Jesus Christ.
Upon the completion of baptism, when Jesus Christ came out of the water, the heavens suddenly opened up (opened up) over Him; and Saint John saw the Spirit of God, which descended on Jesus in the form of a dove, and the voice of God the Father was heard from heaven: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matt. 3.17).
After Baptism, Jesus Christ went out to public ministry and preaching.
The baptism of the Lord was the forerunner of the church Sacrament of Baptism. Jesus Christ by His life, Death and Resurrection opened for people the Kingdom of God, into which a person cannot enter without Baptism, that is, birth from water and the Spirit (Matt. 28.19–20; John 3.5).
The Feast of Baptism is called the Epiphany, since at this moment God revealed (showed) to people that He is the Most Holy Trinity: God the Father spoke from heaven, the incarnate God the Son was baptized, and God the Holy Spirit descended in the form of a dove.
The special feature of this holiday is two great blessings of water. The first happens on the eve of the holiday (on Christmas Eve), and the other - on the very holiday of the Baptism of the Lord. In ancient times, on the day of the Epiphany, Jerusalem Christians went out to the Jordan River to bless the water - a place especially associated with the Baptism of the Savior. In this regard, in Russia, the Epiphany procession is called the procession "to the Jordan".
Troparion of the feast: In the Jordan, baptizing You, Lord, (when You were baptized in the Jordan) Trinity worship appeared (then on earth the mystery of the Holy Trinity was revealed with special clarity). The parent's voice (the voice of God the Father) testifies to You (testifies of You), beloved of Thy Son, calling (calling You the beloved Son), and the Spirit, in the form of a dove (in the form of a dove), communicated the statement in the word (confirmed the testimony of God the Father) ... Appear (Appeared) Christ God, and the world of enlightenment (enlightened), glory to Thee.
Kontakion of the holiday: Thou hast appeared this day (now) to the universe, and Thy light, O Lord, signified (sealed) on us, in the mind (reasonably) singing Thee: Thou art come, and Thou art the Unapproachable Light.
Candlemas
The Presentation of the Lord is celebrated by the Church on February 15th. This holiday has been known in the Christian East since the 4th century.
The circumstances of this event are described in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 2.22–39). The word “meeting” means “meeting”.
Forty days passed after the Nativity of Christ, and the Most Holy Theotokos, together with the righteous Joseph, brought the Infant Jesus to the Jerusalem Temple to fulfill the Law of Moses. According to the Law, every male firstborn must be brought to the temple on the fortieth day for dedication to God (if this is the firstborn from the tribe of Levin, he was left at the temple for upbringing and future ministry; the firstborn from other tribes were redeemed by the parents for five coins). The baby's mother, on the fortieth day after giving birth, had to make sacrifices for cleansing (women from poor families usually brought two pigeon chicks).
In the church, the Child was met by the elder Simeon, who had come there under the inspiration of the Spirit of God, and the prophetess Anna who lived at the church.
Righteous Simeon, to whom God had promised that he would not die until he saw the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises about the Savior of the world, took the Child into his arms and recognized Him as the Messiah. At this moment, Simeon the God-Receiver, turning to Christ, uttered the prophetic words: “Now let go of Thy servant, O Master, according to Thy word in peace: as if my eyes saw Thy salvation, I had prepared before the face of all people, light into the revelation of tongues and the glory of people Yours Israel. " (Luke 2.29-32).
To the Blessed Virgin Mary, the righteous elder foretold the torment of the heart, which She was to endure, compassion for Her Divine Son in the feat of His earthly life and death on the Cross.
After this meeting, Anna the prophetess announced the birth of the Savior to all Jerusalem.
Troparion: Rejoice, blessed Virgin Mary, from You the Sun of Truth has risen, Christ our God, enlighten beings in darkness (enlightening those in the darkness of delusions): rejoice, too, you, righteous elder, received in the arms of the Liberator of our souls, granting us resurrection.
Kontakion: You sanctified the Devich's womb by Thy birth, and blessed Simeon's hand, as if befitting, having anticipated (as it should be, warning him), and now you have saved us, O Christ God, but die in warfare (calm strife) and strengthen the people who are theirs (whom ) Thou art loved, Alone Human-loving.
Annunciation to the Most Holy Theotokos
The Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated by the Orthodox Church on April 7th. The first mentions of the celebration of the Annunciation date back to the 3rd century.
The circumstances of the Annunciation are described in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 1.26–38).
When the time predetermined by the Creator came, the Archangel Gabriel was sent to the Blessed Virgin with the good news of the imminent birth of the Son, who will be the Son of the Most High and will be called Jesus. Mary asked how can all this be fulfilled if She is in virginity? The Angel answered Her: “The Holy Spirit will come upon You, and the power of the Most High will overshadow You; therefore, the Holy One being born will be called the Son of God ”(Luke 1.35). Obedient to the will of God, the Virgin with meekness listened to the messenger and said: “Behold, the Servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word ”(Luke 1.38).
The salvation of man could not be accomplished by God without the consent and participation of man himself. In the person of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who agreed to become the Mother of Jesus Christ, all creation responded with consent to the divine call to salvation.
The Day of the Annunciation is the day of the Incarnation: in the womb of the Most Pure and Immaculate Virgin, God the Son took human flesh. The chants of this holiday emphasize the incomprehensibility of the mystery of the incarnation and birth in the flesh of the Lord Jesus Christ for the human mind.
The troparion of the feast: This is the day of our salvation, the chief thing (now is the beginning of our salvation), and a hedgehog from the age of the sacrament (and the manifestation of a mystery predetermined from time immemorial): the Son of God, the Son of the Virgin, happens (the Son of God becomes the Son of the Virgin), and Gabriel proclaims the gospel. In the same way, we will cry out to the Theotokos (exclaim): Rejoice, grace-filled, the Lord is with You.
Kontakion of the holiday: To the chosen Voevoda, victorious (to You, the chosen Warlord), as if we will get rid of the evil (by getting rid of troubles), we praise Ty (we sing a song of thanks and victory to You), Your servant, Theotokos, but as (as) an invincible power, from all free us troubles, but we call Ty: Rejoice, Unmarried Bride.
Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem
The first mention of the celebration of the Entry into Jerusalem by the Christian Church dates back to the 3rd century.
This event is described by all four evangelists (Matt. 21.1-11; Mark 11.1-11; Luke 19.29-44; John 12.12-19).
This holiday is dedicated to the remembrance of the solemn Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem, where the Lord entered for suffering and death on the cross. Six days before the Jewish Passover, Jesus Christ made a solemn entry into Jerusalem to show that He is the true King and goes to death voluntarily. Approaching Jerusalem, Jesus Christ sent two of His disciples to bring Him a donkey and a young donkey, on which no one had ever sat down. The disciples went and did what the Teacher told them to do. They covered the donkey with their clothes, and Jesus Christ sat on it.
In Jerusalem, they learned that Jesus, who had resurrected the four-day Lazarus, was approaching the city. A multitude of people, gathered from everywhere for the Easter holiday, came out to meet Him. Many took off their outer garments and spread them on the way to Him; others cut off palm branches, carried them in their hands, and covered the path with them. And all the people who accompanied and met Him exclaimed in joy: “Hosanna (salvation) to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord (i.e. worthy of praise, coming in the name of the Lord, sent by God) the King of Israel! Hosanna in the highest! " (Matthew 21.9)
After the solemn entry into the city, Jesus Christ came to the Jerusalem temple and drove out of it all those who were selling and buying. At the same time, the blind and the lame surrounded Christ, and He healed them all. The people, seeing the power of Jesus Christ and the miracles performed by Him, began to glorify Him even more. The high priests, scribes and elders of the people envied the love of the people for Christ and looked for an opportunity to destroy Him, but did not find it, because the whole people obeyed Him relentlessly.
Passion Week begins at the entrance to Jerusalem. The Lord comes to Jerusalem of His own free will, knowing that He is going to suffer.
The solemn entry of the Lord into Jerusalem is celebrated by the Church on the last Sunday before Easter. This holiday is also called Palm Sunday or Vai week (in Church Slavonic, Vaiya is a branch, week is Sunday). During the all-night vigil, the branches are consecrated in the church (in some countries - palm branches, in Russia - flowering branches of a pussy-willow). The branches are a symbol of Christ's victory over death and a reminder of the future general resurrection of the dead.
Troparion of the feast: The general resurrection before Your passion assuring (before His suffering, assuring us that there will be a general resurrection), from the dead you raised (raised) Lazarus, Christ God. In the same way, we, like youths (like children), bear the signs of victory (bearing branches as a sign of the victory of life over death), to You, the Conqueror of death, crying (exclaiming): Hosanna in the highest, blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Kontakion: On a throne in heaven (sitting on a throne in heaven), carried on a lot on earth (and walking on earth on a young donkey), Christ God, praise of angels, and singing children you accepted (accepted) those calling Ty (You): blessed Thou, come call forth Adam!
Easter - Bright Resurrection of Christ
Easter is the oldest holiday of the Christian Church. It was installed and celebrated already in the 1st century, during the life of the holy apostles.
The Holy Scriptures describe not the Resurrection of Christ itself, but numerous testimonies about the manifestations of the Risen Christ to the disciples (Matt. 28.1-15; Mark 16.1-11; Luke 24.1-12; John 20.1-18). Holy Tradition says that the Most Holy Theotokos was the first to know the news of the Resurrection of Christ.
The Gospels inform us that on the third day after the Crucifixion of the Myrrh-Bearing Woman, they went to the cave in which Jesus was buried in order to complete the burial ceremony. Approaching the coffin, they saw that the huge stone that covered the entrance to the cave had been rolled away. Then they saw an Angel who announced to them that Christ was no longer among the dead, He was resurrected.
A little later, the Lord Himself appeared to Mary Magdalene, and then to other Myrrh-Bearing Wives. On the same day, the Risen Lord appeared to the Apostle Peter, then to the two apostles on their way to Emmaus, then, passing through the closed doors, to the eleven apostles who were staying together.
Among the annual holidays, the Resurrection of Christ is the greatest and most joyful; it is a "feast day and a celebration of celebrations."
Another name for the holiday is Easter. This holiday received this name in relation to the Old Testament Passover (from the word "Pesach" - "passing, passing by"). Among the Jews, this holiday was established in honor of the deliverance of the Jewish firstborn from death during the tenth Egyptian execution. An angel passed by the Jewish houses, as their doors were anointed with the blood of the sacrificial lamb. In the Christian Church, this name (Easter) received a special meaning and began to denote the transition from death to life, from earth to heaven, which became possible for believers thanks to the sacrifice of Christ.
The Bright Resurrection of Christ is celebrated by the Orthodox Church on the first Sunday after the spring full moon, always after the Jewish Passover. Christians prepare for this holiday during a long and especially strict Great Lent.
The festive service is celebrated with special solemnity. Long before midnight, believers come to church and listen to the reading of the book of the Acts of the Holy Apostles. Before midnight, the Easter procession of the cross leaves the church and walks around it accompanied by soft singing: "Thy Resurrection, Christ our Savior, the angels sing in heaven, and on earth, grant us praise with a pure heart." All the worshipers walk with lighted candles, as once the Myrrh-Bearing Wives with lamps walked early in the morning to the Savior's tomb.
The procession stops at the closed western gates of the church, as if at the door of the tomb of Christ. And here the priest, like an angel who announced the Resurrection of Christ to the myrrh-bearers, is the first to proclaim the victory over death: "Christ is risen from the dead, trampling death on death and giving life to those in the grave." This troparion is often repeated at the Easter service, as well as the exclamations of the clergy: "Christ is risen!", To which the people answer: "Indeed he is risen!"
The solemn celebration of the Resurrection of Christ continues for a whole week, called Bright Week. These days Christians greet each other with the words: "Christ is Risen!" and in reply words: "Truly He is Risen!" On Easter there is a custom to exchange colored (red) eggs, which serve as a symbol of a new, blissful life that has opened from the tomb of the Savior.
The church service preserves the Easter mood in believers even after Bright Week - Easter hymns are sung in churches until Easter and the Ascension of Christ. During the liturgical year, every seventh day of the week is also dedicated to the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is therefore called Little Easter.
Troparion: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling death by death (having conquered) and giving life to those in the tombs (giving life to those in the tombs, that is, the dead).
Kontakion: Even if Thou didst descend into the grave Immortal (although Thou didst descend into the grave, the Immortal One), but Thou didst destroy the power of Hell and resurrect Thou, as a conqueror, Christ God, who prophesied to the myrrh-bearing wives: Rejoice! and by your apostle grant (granting) peace, grant (granting) resurrection to the fallen.
Ascension of the Lord
The Ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ is celebrated by the Orthodox Church on the fortieth day after Easter.
The establishment of the feast of the Ascension of the Lord dates back to the most ancient times and refers to the holidays, which, like Easter and Pentecost, were established by the apostles themselves.
The Ascension of the Lord is described in the Gospel (Mark 16.9–20; Luke 24.36–53) and in the book of Acts of the Holy Apostles (Acts 1.1–12).
On the fortieth day after the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, the disciples gathered in one house. Jesus Christ appeared to them and talked with them, saying: “It is written, and so Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead on the third day; and preached to be in the name of His repentance and forgiveness of sins in all nations, beginning with Jerusalem. You are witnesses of this (Luke 24.46-48). Go all over the world and preach the Gospel (that is, the message of the Resurrection of Christ and the teaching of Christ) to all creation ”(Mark 16:15). Then the Savior told the disciples that he would soon send them the Holy Spirit; until that time, the disciples were not required to leave Jerusalem. Talking with the disciples, the Savior went out with the apostles to the Mount of Olives. There He blessed the disciples and, when he blessed them, began to move away from them and ascend to heaven, and soon the cloud hid Christ from the eyes of the apostles.
Having ascended, the God-man Jesus Christ sat down at the right hand of God the Father. Graying "at the right hand", that is, "on the right, on the right hand", means special honor, special glory. The ascension of Christ to heaven shows the purpose of human life: union with God and life in the glory of the Kingdom of God. It is important that not only the soul, but also the human body participates in this glory. In the Ascension of Christ, human nature was planted at the right hand of the glory of God, that is, glorified.
The angels, who appeared to the disciples immediately after the Ascension, consoled the apostles amazed and grieved by the new separation from the Teacher, reminding them that the Lord would come again - in the same way as He had ascended into heaven.
By His Ascension to heaven, Christ the Savior did not abandon the believers. He is invisibly inseparable in the Church.
Troparion: Thou art ascended in glory, Christ our God, the joy created by the disciple, by the promise of the Holy Spirit, by the former blessing he had announced, as if Thou art the Son of God, the deliverer of the world (when, through Thy blessing, they were completely convinced that Thou art the Son of God, the Deliverer of the world) ...
Kontakion: Having already fulfilled the gaze about us (having fulfilled the plan of our salvation), and even connected to the earthly (earthly) heavenly, you ascended in glory, Christ our God, never leaving us, but being persistent (not leaving those who live on earth, but staying inseparable with them), and crying (crying out) to those who love You: I am with you, and no one is against you (no one is against you)!
Pentecost
The descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles is celebrated by the Orthodox Church on the fiftieth day after Easter.
The feast in memory of the event of the descent of the Holy Spirit was established by the apostles. They celebrated it every year and commanded all Christians to especially honor this day (Acts 2.14, 23).
On the fiftieth day after the Resurrection of Christ, all the apostles, together with the Mother of God and with other disciples, were unanimously in prayer and were in the same upper room in Jerusalem. Suddenly there was a noise from heaven, as if from a rushing strong wind, and filled the whole house where Christ's disciples were. Fiery tongues appeared and rested (stopped), one on each of them. All were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to praise God in different languages, which they did not know before.
The Jews then had the great holiday of Pentecost in memory of the gift of the Sinai legislation (the establishment of the Covenant between God and the people). On the occasion of the feast, many Jews from different countries gathered in Jerusalem. Hearing the noise, a huge crowd gathered around the house where Christ's disciples were. All of the people were amazed and asked one another: “These who speak are not all Galileans? How do we hear each of our own dialects, in which we were born ... do we hear them in our languages speaking about the great works of God? (Acts 2.7-11) And some in bewilderment said: "They drank sweet wine" (Acts 2.13).
Then the Apostle Peter stood up and said that the apostles were not drunk, but that the Old Testament prophecy about the gift of the Holy Spirit to all believers had been fulfilled. The Holy Spirit was sent to the Risen Apostles and those who ascended into heaven by Jesus Christ. Peter's preaching had such an effect on those who heard it that many believed in the Lord Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God. Peter then called them to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins so that they too could receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2.36–37). Those who believed in Christ willingly accepted baptism; there were about three thousand such people that day.
The Feast of Pentecost is called the birthday of the Church. From the day of the descent of the Holy Spirit, the Christian faith began to spread rapidly, the number of believers increased day by day. The apostles boldly preached to everyone about Jesus Christ, the Son of God, about His suffering for us and the resurrection from the dead. The Lord helped them with numerous miracles, which were performed by the apostles in the name of Jesus Christ. For the administration of the sacraments and preaching, the apostles supplied bishops, elders and deacons. The grace of the Holy Spirit, clearly taught to the apostles in the form of tongues of fire, is now delivered invisibly in the Orthodox Church - in the Holy Sacraments through bishops and priests, who are the direct successors of the apostles.
The day of Pentecost is also called the day of the Holy Trinity, sometimes simply - the Trinity. On this day, the Third Person of the Holy Trinity openly manifested Himself - the Holy Spirit, who created the Body of the Church of Christ, poured out His gifts on Christians and forever united with them. The day after Pentecost is dedicated to the special glorification of the Holy Spirit and is called the Spiritual Day.
The doctrine of the Holy Trinity has a deep moral meaning for believers. God is Love, on the day of Pentecost divine love was poured out into the hearts of believers by the Holy Spirit. The service on the feast of the Holy Trinity teaches Christians to live in such a way that in their mutual relations a grace-filled unity in love is realized, the image of which is shown by the Persons of the Most Holy Trinity.
Troparion: Blessed are you, Christ our God, who are wise are the fishers of the manifestations (who made the fishermen wise), sending them the Holy Spirit, and by those you catch (attracted to faith) the universe (the whole world): Human-loving, glory to Thee.
Kontakion: When the languages (speech) descended, merged (mixed), separating the languages (peoples) of the Highest (When the Almighty, descending during the construction of the Tower of Babel, mixed languages, then He divided the nations); Whenever the fiery tongues distribute the whole calling into the union (when He distributed the fiery tongues, He called everyone to the union), and according to the glorification of the All-Holy Spirit.
Transfiguration
The Transfiguration of the Lord Jesus Christ is celebrated on August 19th. The holiday was established no later than the 4th century.
The event of the Transfiguration of the Lord is described by the evangelists Matthew and Luke (Matthew 17.1-13; Luke 9.28-36) and the Apostle Peter (2 Peter 1.16-18).
Shortly before His sufferings, Jesus Christ took three disciples - Peter, James and John, and with them he ascended a high mountain to pray. According to legend, it was Mount Tabor. While the Savior was praying, the disciples fell asleep from exhaustion. When they woke up, they saw that Jesus Christ was transformed: His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became white and shining. At this time, two Old Testament prophets appeared on the mountain - Moses and Elijah. They talked with Christ about the suffering and death that He had to endure in Jerusalem.
An extraordinary joy filled the hearts of the disciples. Peter exclaimed with feeling: “Lord! it's good for us to be here; if you want, we will make three tabernacles (that is, tents) here: one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah. " Suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and they heard from the cloud the voice of God the Father: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; Listen to him! " (Luke 9.33-35) The disciples fell to the ground in fear. Jesus Christ approached them, touched them and said: "Stand up and do not be afraid." The disciples stood up and saw Jesus Christ in his ordinary form. When they descended the mountain, Jesus Christ commanded not to tell anyone about what they saw until He rose from the dead.
On Mount Tabor, the Lord Jesus Christ, being transformed, showed the glory of His Godhead. God opened the eyes of the apostles, and they were able to see the real greatness of their Divine Teacher, as far as a person can see it at all. Having witnessed the Transfiguration, the apostles during Passion Week had to understand that the Lord, who has divine power and authority, suffers and dies by His will.
Troparion: Thou art transformed on the mountain, Christ God, showing Thy glory by Thy disciple, as if I could (as far as they could see it). May Thy everlasting light shine upon us sinners, with the prayers of the Theotokos, the Light-Giver, glory to Thee!
Kontakion: Thou art transformed on the mountain, and like Thy disciples were within the room (as far as Thy disciples could accommodate), Thy glory, Christ God, I saw (saw): yes, when (so that when) They see (see) You are crucified, suffering will be understood free, worldly ( to the world) preach that you are truly the Father's radiance.
Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos
The Dormition of the Most Holy Lady Our Lady is celebrated by the Orthodox Church on August 28. The first mentions of the celebration by Christians of the Dormition of the Mother of God date back to the 4th century.
The Gospel says nothing about the earthly life of the Mother of God after the Ascension of the Savior. Church Tradition has preserved information about Her last days.
The Apostle John the Theologian, according to the will of the Lord Jesus Christ, received the Mother of God into his house and took care of Her until Her death. The Most Holy Theotokos enjoyed general reverence in the Christian community. She prayed with Christ's disciples and talked with them about the Savior. Many Christians came from afar, from other countries, to see and listen to the Blessed Virgin.
Until the persecution raised by Herod Antipas against the Church, the Most Pure Virgin stayed in Jerusalem, then moved with the Apostle John the Theologian to Ephesus. While living here, She visited the righteous Lazarus in Cyprus and Mount Athos, which she blessed as Her destiny. Shortly before her death, the Mother of God returned to Jerusalem.
Here the Ever-Virgin often stayed in those places with which the most important events in the life of Her Divine Son are connected: Bethlehem, Golgotha, the Holy Sepulcher, Gethsemane, the Mount of Olives - there She prayed fervently, reliving the events with which they were associated again and again. The Most Holy Theotokos often prayed that Christ would take Her to Heaven as soon as possible.
Once, when the Most Holy Mary prayed in this way on the Mount of Olives, the archangel Gabriel appeared to Her and announced that in three days Her earthly life would end and the Lord would take Her to Himself. The Most Holy Mother of God was overjoyed at this news; She told the Apostle John about her and began to prepare for her death. The other apostles were not in Jerusalem at that time; they dispersed to different countries to preach about the Savior. The Mother of God wanted to say goodbye to them, and the Lord miraculously gathered all the apostles to Her, except Thomas. The Mother of God consoled the disciples, promising not to leave them and all Christians after Her death and to always pray for them.
At the hour of death, an extraordinary light shone in the room where the Mother of God lay; The Lord Jesus Christ Himself, surrounded by angels, appeared and received Her most pure soul.
The solemn transfer of the Most Pure Body from Jerusalem to Gethsemane began. Peter, Paul and James, along with the other apostles, accompanied by a multitude of people, carried the bed of the Mother of God on their shoulders. The sick received healing from Her fragrant body.
The Jewish chief priests sent their servants to disperse the procession, kill the apostles and burn the body of the Mother of God, but the angels struck the blasphemers with blindness. The Jewish priest Athos, who tried to overturn the bed of the Virgin, was punished by an angel who cut off his hands, and received healing only after sincere repentance. Those who repented from the blind also became clear.
Three days after the burial of the Mother of God, the late Apostle Thomas also arrived in Jerusalem. He was very upset that he did not have time to say goodbye to Her. The apostles, who themselves were in sorrow, opened the coffin to give Thomas the opportunity to say goodbye to the Mother of God. Their amazement was great when they did not find the body of the Mother of God in the cave.
The apostles' anxiety about the fate of the body of the Most Pure Virgin Mary was soon resolved: during the evening prayer, they heard angelic singing and, looking up, saw the Mother of God surrounded by angels in the radiance of heavenly glory. She said to the apostles: “Rejoice! I am with you all the days. " So the Lord Jesus Christ glorified His Mother: He raised Her before all people and took her to Heaven with Her holy body.
The Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos is a holiday, colored at the same time with sadness about the end of Her life and joy about the union of the Most Pure Mother with the Son. On the day of the blessed death of the Mother of God, all mankind found a Prayer Book and Heavenly Intercessor, an Intercessor before the Lord.
The Church calls the completion of the earthly life of the Most Holy Theotokos dormition (sleep), and this is associated with a new experience of death after the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. For a person who believes in Christ, death becomes the sacrament of birth into a new life. Physical death is like a dream, during which the departed await the general resurrection from the dead at the Second Coming of Christ (1 Thess. 4.13-18).
Christians prepare for the feast of the Assumption with a two-week fast (from August 14), as strict as Great Lent.
Troparion: At birth (at the birth of Jesus Christ) you kept your virginity, you did not leave the world at the time of peace, the Mother of God; Thou hast reposed to the belly (passed on to eternal life), Mother of the Belly (being the Mother of Life, that is, Christ), and by Thy prayers save our soul from death (eternal).
Kontakion: In the prayers of the relentless Mother of God and in the intercessions (intercession), the immutable hope, the coffin and mortification (death) did not hold back (did not hold back): as if the Mother of the Belly, to the belly, put into the womb the ever-virgin Infused (Christ, dwelling in Her virgin womb transmigrated Her as the Mother of Life to eternal life).
Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord
This holiday is one of the great holidays and is celebrated on September 27th. It was installed in the 4th century in commemoration of the Finding of the Cross of the Lord.
One of the first Christian historians, Eusebius of Caesarea, describes this event and its prehistory as follows. Emperor Constantine the Great, being a pagan, still inclined to accept Christianity, was convinced of the power and glory of the Cross of Christ. Once, on the eve of a decisive battle, he and all his army saw in the sky the sign of the cross with the inscription: "By this, conquer." The next night, Jesus Christ Himself appeared to the emperor with the Cross in his hand and said that by this sign the emperor would defeat the enemy; and ordered to arrange a military banner (banner) with the image of the Holy Cross. Constantine fulfilled the command of God and defeated the enemy. After the victory, the emperor accepted Christians under his patronage and declared the Christian faith dominant in the Byzantine Empire. When imp. Constantine was abolished execution by crucifixion and laws were issued, contributing to the spread of the Church and the confirmation of the faith of Christ.
Feeling awe of the Lord's Cross, Constantine the Great wished to find the Honorable Tree of the Lord's Cross and build a temple on Calvary. In 326, his mother, Queen Helena, went to Jerusalem in search of the Cross of the Lord.
According to legend, the place where the Cross of the Lord was found was indicated under the ruins of a pagan temple by an elderly Jew who later converted to Christianity with the name Kyriakos. Near the Execution Grounds, they found nails, a plaque with an inscription in three languages, which was nailed over the Head of the crucified Christ, and three crosses. In order to find out which of the three crosses is the Cross of the Lord, you needed some kind of testimony about it. And this testimony was revealed by the miraculous power of the Cross: according to the testimony of many historians, a woman who was dying was healed by the touch of the Cross of the Lord.
In awe-inspiring joy, Queen Helena and all those who were with her worshiped the Cross. But a lot of people gathered, and not everyone could bow down to the Honorable Tree of the Cross of the Lord, and not even everyone could see it. Then Patriarch Macarius of Jerusalem, standing on a high place, began to raise (erect) the Holy Cross, showing it to the people. The people worshiped the Cross, exclaiming: "Lord, have mercy."
This is where the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord began, which was established in the year of its acquisition.
For their merits and diligence in spreading the Christian faith, Constantine the Great and his mother Helen were called saints equal to the apostles, that is, equal to the apostles.
On this holiday, a strict fast is laid in remembrance of the Passion on the Cross of the Savior.
Troparion of the holiday: Save, O Lord, Thy people and bless Thy property (heritage), giving victories to resistance (over enemies) and preserving Thy residence with Thy Cross (Christian society).
Kontakion of the holiday: Ascended to the cross by will (ascended on the cross by His own will), the same name of Your new residence (those bearing Your name, that is, Christians) grant Your bounty, Christ God; rejoice in your power, giving (giving) victories to us for comparison (over enemies), the benefit of your property, the weapon of peace, an invincible victory (may we have your help - the weapon of reconciliation and invincible victory - the Cross).
Christianity, like any religion, honors saints or celebrates events in the life of the church on certain days of the calendar. Christian holidays are rooted in ancient ritual traditions associated with specific stages, types of economic activities, annual astronomical or calendar cycle. Conventionally, they are divided into all Christians (recognized by the Orthodox, Catholic, most Protestant churches) and confessional (marked only by individual confessions). The most important of them relate to the twelve feasts - the twelve most important holidays after Easter, which the church celebrates with solemn divine services.
Nativity. This is one of the main Christian holidays associated with the birth of Jesus Christ. In Catholicism, it is celebrated on December 25, in Orthodoxy (refers to the twelve holidays) on January 7. Establishing itself in different countries, this holiday absorbed the rituals and customs of other religions, folk holidays, acquiring new features that corresponded to Christian dogmas.
The very tradition of Christmas reaches its sources in primitive cult actions. The main role in its dogmatic sense, the church assigns to the teaching of the birth of Jesus Christ, who appeared to atone for the sins of people, to show mankind the way to salvation. Indeed, in ancient Egypt, for example, on January 6, they celebrated the birthday of the god of water, vegetation, the owner of the afterlife, Osiris. In ancient Greece, the birth of Dionysus was celebrated on the same day. In Iran, on December 25, the birth of the god of the sun, purity and truth, Mithra, was celebrated.
In Kievan Rus, the feast of the Nativity of Christ came along with Christianity in the 10th century. and merged with the ancient Slavic winter holiday - Christmastide (lasted for 12 days - from December 25 (January 7) to January 6 (19)). The Orthodox Church tried in every possible way to replace them with the holiday of the Nativity of Christ, but the holidays and customs existing among the Eastern Slavs were so deeply rooted that it was forced to combine church holidays with folk ones. So, the church combined carols with the gospel story of the star of Bethlehem, which announced the birth of Christ. "Pagan" carols turned into a walk of Christos with a star to their homes. Children were widely involved in the glorification of Christ. The believers thanked them with gifts.
Since 1990. Christmas Day is an official holiday on the territory of Ukraine.
Baptism of the Lord (Vodokhrischa, Baptism of Water, Epiphany). It is one of the main holidays in Christianity. In Orthodoxy, it belongs to the twelve feasts. Catholics celebrate January 6th, Orthodox Christians celebrate January 19th. It was introduced in memory of the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. It is also called the Epiphany, because, according to the Gospel, during the baptism on Jesus, God the Holy Spirit descended from heaven in the form of a dove.
In Christianity, it was introduced in the 2nd half of the 2nd century, and was first celebrated together with the Nativity of Christ. In the IV Art. this day began to be celebrated separately. The Church regards it as a "holiday of enlightenment" of the nations, because, according to the teaching, it was with baptism that Jesus began to enlighten them with the light of the gospel truth.
This holiday has always been celebrated very solemnly. His main rite is the consecration of water in the church and in the ice hole. The procession was going to the ice hole, solemn prayers were heard. The consecration of water in churches is still taking place today.
Sprinkling with water existed in many pre-Christian religions. Spiritual phenomena of nature, people spiritualized and water as an important source of life. In the early stages of its development, Christianity did not know the rite of baptism; it borrowed it somewhat later from the ancient cults, which assigned an important role to the rite of “cleansing” a person from any “filth” or “evil” with the help of water. According to ancient beliefs, water cleansed people from "evil spirits", "demons". Therefore, among the ancient peoples there was a custom to sprinkle water on newborns.
Candlemas. It is celebrated as one of the twelve feasts on February 15 on the occasion of the meeting (meeting) of the righteous Simeon with the baby Jesus, whom his parents brought to the Jerusalem temple on the fortieth day after his birth to be presented to God. It was then that Simeon predicted to Jesus his messenger mission of the Savior of people. This is stated in the Gospel of. Luke. By introducing the holiday, the church was concerned not only with the dissemination of the ideas of Christianity, but also with the "truth to the facts" of the biography of Christ, emphasizing the obligation of believers to bring babies to the temple within 40 days after birth. In addition, the church tried to protect Christians from ancient cults, since the Romans served "cleansing", repentance, and fasting in February, believing that before the spring fieldwork began, it was necessary to "cleanse from sins" and "evil spirits" by sacrifices to spirits and gods. The main cleansing rite fell on February 15, when people with torches in their hands drove out the evil spirits of winter cold and disease.
For a long time, supporters of Orthodoxy did not recognize the Meeting. Later, they gave it the meaning of a holiday of purification. This is how it appeared in Russia, having established itself, basically, as a church holiday. In the popular consciousness, the Meeting marked the end of winter and the beginning of spring economic concerns, as evidenced by the popular belief: "On Meeting, winter meets summer."
Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem. This twelve feast is celebrated on the last Sunday before Easter. Everyday its name is Palm Sunday, before the day of Holy Week, timed to "mention the sufferings of Christ."
According to the calendar, it is directly adjacent to Easter and does not have a fixed date. It was introduced in the IV Art. as an important stage in preparation for Easter. At the heart of the biblical legend about the entry of Jesus Christ with the apostles into Jerusalem, accompanied by the creation of miracles. The people joyfully greeted the Son of God with palm branches.
In Russia, the ritual meaning of palm branches was transferred to pussy willow branches, which bloom at this time, and, according to popular belief, protect from evil spirits. The celebration of the Lord's entry into Jerusalem is intended to induce believers to open their hearts to the teaching of Christ about the resurrection and eternal salvation, as did the inhabitants of Ancient Jerusalem.
Ascension of the Lord. It is celebrated on the fortieth day after Easter. And the very moment of the ascension to heaven of the resurrected Christ after the execution completes his earthly biography. In everyday life, it is very common and remains purely churchly. Its content generates among believers the idea of the frailty of earthly life and directs them to Christian asceticism for the sake of achieving the "eternal".
Christian theology claims that the ascension of Christ opens the way for the righteous to heaven, in the resurrection after death. This idea existed long before the rise of Christianity. Beliefs in the ascension of people, heroes and gods to heaven were common among the Phoenicians, Jews and other peoples.
Trinity (Pentecost). The holiday established in honor of the descent of the Holy Spirit on the disciples of Christ on the fiftieth day after his resurrection, as a result of which they began to speak in different languages that they did not know before. It is called to focus the attention of believers on the voice of the church, which carries the "Word of God", to draw them to the preaching of Christianity by other "languages", that is, to other nations. Celebrated on the fiftieth day after Easter. In Orthodoxy, it belongs to the Twelve Great Feasts.
The concept of the divine trinity existed long before Christianity. In the process of the formation of the Christian religion, it became necessary to link it with the legends of the Old Testament. Therefore, in the New Testament books, Christ is presented as the son of the Hebrew god Yahweh, as the hypostasis of the one God, which is evidenced by the step of Christianity from polytheism to monotheism. Accordingly, Christianity has borrowed many Jewish holidays, including the Feast of Pentecost. Among the ancient Jews, it arose with their transition to agriculture and was associated with the completion of the harvest, which lasted "seven weeks," that is, seven weeks, accompanied by the offering of bread from the new harvest to local field spirits and deities. Christianity has given him a new foundation.
In the majority of Eastern Slavs, the Trinity holiday merged with the local holiday seven (another name is "trinity"), borrowing its everyday meaning. The ancient Slavs associated the seven with the completion of spring work, trying to appease the spirits of vegetation during the period of flowering and harvest. An important element of the Orthodox holiday of the Trinity is the commemoration of the spirits of deceased relatives (memorial Saturday). In Ukraine since 1990. Trinity is an official holiday.
Saved. This is one of three holidays dedicated to the Savior Jesus Christ. It is based on the gospel story of the transfiguration of Christ, who at the end of his earthly life led his disciples (Peter, James, John) to the mountain and during prayer completely changed: his face shone, his clothes became white, shiny, and a voice from heaven confirmed his divine origin. Christian teaching claims that Jesus wanted to reinforce faith in his disciples and prove to them that he is truly the Son of God.
This event is associated with the holiday of the Transfiguration ("apple" Savior), which is celebrated on August 19. On this day, they not only glorify Jesus Christ, but also bless apples and other fruits (according to folk custom, since then they can be consumed).
An important feature of the Savior, like many other holidays, is the combination of Christian pathos with calendar rituals and customs of cleansing from evil spirits. For example, during the celebration of "honey" spas ("makoveya"), which takes place on August 14, fresh honey is consecrated in the church. Installed in 1164 in honor of the victory of the Byzantines over the Muslims. We especially honor this day in Russian Orthodoxy, since it is believed that it was on August 14 that the great Kiev prince Vladimir was baptized. The third - "bread" spas is celebrated on August 29, coinciding with the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter sowing. Christianity associates it with the celebration of the miraculous image of Christ, imprinted on a towel and transferred to Abgar, the king of Edessa.
In many parishes there is also a feast for the Savior (temple).
Exaltation of the Holy Cross. One of the twentieth holidays dedicated to the cult of the Cross as a symbol of the Christian faith. The church connects several events with the cross. According to legend, the Roman emperor Constantine, before one of his largest battles, had a vision: in the sky, a shining cross with the inscription "By this, conquer!" That same night, Jesus Christ himself appeared to the emperor in a dream and advised him to take the banner with the image of the cross into battle. Constantine did so, in addition, ordered his legionnaires to draw the sign of the cross on their shields. In the battle, Constantine won a victory and since then believed in the miraculous power of the cross, although historical facts testify that in commemoration of victory, Constantine ordered the minting of coins depicting pagan gods, who, he believed, helped him in the battle with his enemies.
The church established this holiday in memory of the receipt by the mother of the Roman emperor Helen in the IV century. the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified. To be seen by the people, the cross was raised (erected) on Mount Calvary, where Christ was executed, and on the place where the cross was found, a temple was built, the consecration of which took place on September 13, 335.
The Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord is solemnly celebrated on September 27. It is accompanied by lavish rituals. During the service, a cross decorated with flowers is brought out and installed in the middle of the temple. The ceremony is accompanied by ringing and church chants.
Believers venerate the cross as a symbol of Christianity as a symbol of redemption, suffering and salvation, believing that every person, like Christ, must overcome his own "way of the cross".
Theotokos holidays. They cover the feast in honor of the Virgin Mary - the mother of Jesus Christ (Mother of God). These are the Nativity of the Virgin, the Introduction to the Church of the Virgin, the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the feast of the Dormition, the Intercession (the first four are referred to the twelve) and many holidays in honor of the "miraculous" icons of the Virgin.
In the celebration of Mary the Mother of God, there are traces of veneration by the ancient peoples of the goddess of the earth, who gave birth to a savior, a son of God - the god of vegetation. The creation of the image of the Christian Mother of God was influenced by the ideas of the ancient Egyptians about the goddess Izidu. Christianity depicts the Mother of God as "the queen of heaven", a winged celestial dweller, "enveloped in the sun." She has a wreath of twelve stars on her head. The ancient Egyptian goddess Izida was also depicted as the queen of heaven, believing that she gave birth to a divine son, the savior Horus. The Christian Mother of God has similarities with the goddess of the Syrians and Phoenicians Astarte.
The ancient peoples worshiped these goddesses, considering them to be the deities of the fertility of the earth and livestock, the intercessors of agriculture.
From pre-Christian religions she borrowed the church and the idea of the immaculate conception. According to the myths of the peoples of the Ancient East, Mitra, Buddha, Zarathushtra were born from immaculate mothers. It was these myths that served to create the Christian legend of the "Immaculate Conception" of the Virgin Mary.
Nativity of the Virgin (Malaya Prechistaya). The church connects it with the ancient agricultural autumn holidays, timed to coincide with the end of the harvest. On this day, it is emphasized that the Mother of God is a great righteous woman, helper and intercessor of people, the patroness of agriculture, who by the "birth of Christ" took the first step towards their "eternal salvation." Celebrated on September 21st.
Introduction to the Temple of the Virgin. It is connected with the tradition of three-year-old Mary to be raised in the Jerusalem Temple. Establishing this holiday, the church pursued primarily the goal of convincing parents of the need to bring a child to church at an early age. Celebrated on December 4th.
Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos. It is celebrated on the occasion of Mary's receiving news from the archangel Gabriel that she will give birth to a child from the Holy Spirit. In Russia, the church associated this holiday with the beginning of spring field work ("consecration" of seeds, etc.) and signs of the future harvest. Celebrated on April 7th.
The First Pure One. The church celebrates it as the day of remembrance of the Mother of God. The ecclesiastical interpretation of this holiday is in many ways reminiscent of the old-world legends about the death of Cybele, the goddess of fertility. In Russia, the feast of the Assumption merged with the ancient Slavic pagan holiday of harvesting and offering bread and fruits as a sacrifice to spirits. Celebrated on 28 August.
Protection of the Virgin. This holiday is associated with the vision of the Virgin, which allegedly appeared in 910 in the Blachernae Church of the Virgin in Constantinople. During the night service, the holy fool Andrew was accepted as a saint, and his disciple Epiphanius allegedly saw how the Mother of God, surrounded by angels and saints, appeared over them, prayed for the salvation of the world from troubles and suffering, a white veil spread over everyone.
The holiday came to Russia together with Orthodoxy, the church used it to supplant the autumn pagan holidays, which were arranged at the end of field work. It is celebrated on October 14th.
In Ukraine, the holiday of the Intercession is very respected, it has absorbed the traditional veneration of women, mothers, the feminine principle in general, personified in the image of the earth-mother. The attitude of the Ukrainian Cossacks to this holiday was special.
Easter (Easter). This is one of the most significant Christian religious holidays. It was established by the first Christians in memory of the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Historically, the holiday comes from the custom of some ancient peoples of the Middle East (Babylonians, Egyptians, Jews), who were engaged in cattle breeding, to sacrifice lambs and calves from their first offspring during the spring holiday. They believed that with this they appease evil spirits, and they will no longer destroy livestock and send diseases to her. With the transition to agriculture, bread, cakes, fruits, and the like, baked from the grain of the new harvest, were offered as an expiatory sacrifice to the spirits. These agricultural holidays merged with the Skotarsky Easter and adopted its name. they were united by the hope for the miraculous good power of the deities who die and are resurrected.
Christianity borrowed this tradition, embodying it in the doctrine of the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. But the main idea - the self-sacrifice of God for the sake of people - has survived. The religious essence of the ceremony remained the same as it was thousands of years ago: by making a sacrifice to cleanse people of evil, disease, misfortune and tragedy.
The idea of salvation, at least after death, became widespread, especially among the common people. The image of Christ, who voluntarily accepted a martyr's death, as if calls to endure earthly suffering. Establishing and developing, Christian doctrine developed the ceremony of celebrating Easter, and from the II century. this holiday has become one of the main ones.
The week before Easter is called Great, or Passion, since its days are associated with the Passion of the Lord. Especially important days start from Thursday, which is called "clean". It is associated with the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the apostles.
The material embodiment of the resurrection is Easter eggs (in Ukraine - dyes, Easter eggs) a symbol of life, spring, the sun, in Christianity, a symbol of atonement for a person's sin.
In Kievan Rus, the celebration of Easter was introduced in the 10th century. Here it merged with the local Slavic spring holidays. The ancient Slavs in the spring, before the start of agricultural work, organized a holiday of the sun, which "resurrects". In those days, they made sacrifices to the spirits and deities of vegetation, sought to satisfy the spirits of deceased ancestors. Christian Easter absorbed many of the ancient Slavic religious practices, including public family meals in which bread, cheese, eggs, smoked meat, and the like were prepared.
Since in early Christianity the celebration of the resurrection of Christ coincided with the Jewish Easter, it was decided at the Councils of Nicaea (325) and Constantinople (381) to celebrate Easter on the first Sunday after the full moon, which came either on the vernal equinox (March 21), or after him. But it was obligatory to celebrate Passover on a different day than that of the Jews. According to the lunar calendar, the spring full moon falls on the same date, after the solar one on different dates and even on different days of the week. Therefore, Easter does not have a fixed calendar. It is celebrated within 35 days.
For a more accurate determination of the date of the celebration of Easter for each year, corresponding calculations were made, which are called Easter. In Orthodoxy, they have remained unchanged to this day. In Catholicism, the formula for these calculations has undergone some changes, so not always both churches celebrate Easter on the same day.