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The most important of the holidays of the Orthodox Church. Orthodox holidays and fasts

In the worship of the Orthodox Church there are twelve great feasts of the annual liturgical circle (except for the feast of Pascha). They are divided into the Lord's, dedicated to Jesus Christ, and the Theotokos, dedicated to the Most Holy Theotokos. To the greats... Political science. Dictionary.

12 most important Orthodox church holidays: December 25 (January 7) Christmas, 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

TWELVE, and, counts. quantity (old). Same as twelve. The Invasion of Twelve Tongues (about Napoleon's army during Patriotic War 1812). Dictionary Ozhegov. S.I. Ozhegov, N.Yu. Shvedova. 1949 1992 ... Explanatory dictionary of Ozhegov

- (also the twelve holidays) the twelve most important holidays after Easter in Orthodoxy. They are dedicated to the events of the earthly life of Jesus Christ and the Virgin, are among the great holidays, in the Typicon they are marked with a red cross in a full circle ... Wikipedia

TWENTH HOLIDAYS- The most important Orthodox church holidays (see Church*, Orthodoxy*). The twelfth feasts are celebrated in honor of the most important events in the earthly life of Jesus Christ and his mother, the Mother of God. These special holidays are twelve, so they are called ... ... Linguistic Dictionary

TWENTH HOLIDAYS- Salary of the Gospel with the image of the holidays. Serbia. Beginning 16th century (MSPC) Gospel cover with the image of holidays. Serbia. Beginning 16th century (MSPC) [twelfth] [Greek. Ϫωδεκάορτον], 12 holidays, in Orthodoxy. traditions considered the most important after ... ... Orthodox Encyclopedia

12 most important Orthodox church holidays: December 25 (January 7) Nativity of Christ, January 6 (19) Epiphany (Theophany), February 2 (15) Meeting, March 25 (April 7) Annunciation, a week before Easter, the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem ... … encyclopedic Dictionary

twelfth holidays- a stable combination of the Twelve most important Orthodox holidays: Christmas / Christ / on January 7 (December 25), Epiphany / Lord's day / day on January 19 (6), Wednesday / February 15 (2), Annunciation / April 7 (March 25) , Entrance of the Lord / day in Jerusalem / m (Palm ... ... Popular dictionary of the Russian language

Twelfth holidays- the twelve most important church holidays after Easter. Some of them have once and for all fixed dates: Christmas on December 25 / January 7, Epiphany (Baptism of the Lord) on January 6/19, Presentation of the Lord on February 2/15, Annunciation ... ... Orthodox Encyclopedic Dictionary

Great Russian holidays 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 .. Twelfth holidays dedicated to major events earthly life of the Lord and 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 Feasts and Holy Pascha, Archpriest Pavel Matveevsky. The Twelfth 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 ...

Easter, or bright resurrection Christ's is the first and most important feast of the entire New Testament Orthodox Church. It occupies a leading place among the twelve movable holidays. This day is a memory gospel events which became the basis of all Christian doctrine.

The Resurrection of the Savior for any Christian is the victory of human essence over the permanent laws of death.

The original sin of mankind was washed away by the shed blood on the cross of the Savior Jesus Christ, and, consequently, his subsequent punishment. On this day, all the previous victories of mankind faded before this event of the triumph of life before death. Therefore, the faithful parishioners also call this holiday as the Triumph of Triumphs.

The Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem, or Palm Sunday, is also considered one of the twelve main holidays of the Russian Orthodox Church.

This date is very important for the whole Christian doctrine, since the very fact of the arrival of Jesus Christ in this city, where initially everyone was hostile to the Savior, indicates precisely that his suffering on the cross, which ended in death, was nevertheless voluntary.

The day of this holiday depends on the date have a bright day Easter. It falls on the week before Easter. All the sources of the Evangelists point to the special significance of the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem.

The day of the Holy Trinity is also called Pentecost.

These events are connected with the appearance of the Holy Spirit to the apostles. The fiery tongues of the Holy Spirit appeared to the disciples of Christ on the day of the Old Testament Pentecost. This day is connected with another famous event. The third hypostasis of the Holy Trinity was also revealed to the apostles. After this, the doctrine of the Triune God became perpetuated.

Nativity

Celebrated by the Orthodox Church on January 7th. According to church tradition, God promised a Savior to Adam, who sinned in paradise. His imminent appearance was predicted by the Old Testament prophets, since before the birth of Jesus Christ, the Jews had already forgotten about their Creator. Many of them betrayed the church and began to worship pagan gods.

Christmas Holy Mother of God

Celebrated by Orthodox Christians on September 21st. Righteous Joachim and Anna were the parents of the Most Holy Theotokos or the Virgin Mary. They grieved all their lives because they could not have children. They believed that this was God's punishment for the sins committed. However, even in old age they did not lose hope and prayed every day. Finally, the Lord had mercy on them.

Baptism

It is perhaps the most important Christian holiday. This holiday held from 18 January. Since that time, the Orthodox celebrate Epiphany Christmas Eve which means holding strict fast and preparation for another feast - the Epiphany of the Lord.

At the Baptism of the Lord, the Most Holy Trinity appeared to the world: “God the Father spoke from heaven about the Son, the Son was baptized from the holy Forerunner of the Lord John, and the Holy Spirit descended on the Son in the form of a dove.”

On Epiphany Christmas Eve, after the service, solemn processions are made to the holes in the reservoirs, they are consecrated, and those who wish can swim. As a rule, bathing is a three-time immersion in water with your head. At the same time, the believer is baptized and says "In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit!"

Easter is called the holiday of holidays by Christians. At the heart of this main church is the legend of the miraculous resurrection of Jesus Christ, crucified on the cross by the verdict of the Jewish Sanhedrin court. The idea of resurrection is central, so the holiday in honor of this event is given special role.

Among the great twelfth Orthodox holidays, the day of the Nativity of the Lord Jesus Christ (January 7th) stands out. The significance of the birth of the Savior of the world still cannot be overestimated, because, according to the teachings of the Church, it was through the Incarnation that man was saved and the latter was reconciled with God. Historically, in Rus', the celebration of the Nativity of Christ found its reflection in certain festivities called saints. People went to visit each other and sang songs glorifying born baby Christ. The emerging practice of dressing up a spruce for this holiday and crowning the top of the tree with a star testified to the gospel story about how the star led the wise men from the East to the birthplace of the Savior. Later in Soviet time spruce became an attribute of the secular New Year, and the star symbolized not Star of Bethlehem, but a symbol of Soviet power.

Another significant holiday Orthodox calendar- the day of the Baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan (January 19th). On this day in Orthodox churches water is blessed, for which millions of believers come every year. The historical significance of this celebration for the people's consciousness is also reflected in the practice of dipping into the Epiphany hole. In many cities of Russia, special fonts (Jordans) are being prepared, in which, after the consecration of water, people reverently plunge, asking God for the health of soul and body.

Another important holiday of the Orthodox Church is the Day of the Holy Trinity (Pentecost). This holiday is celebrated on the fiftieth day after Easter. In the people, this celebration is otherwise called "Green Easter". This naming was the result of a folk tradition to decorate temples with greenery on the feast of the Holy Trinity. Sometimes the Orthodox practice of commemorating the departed is mistakenly associated with this day, however, historically, according to church instructions, the departed are commemorated on the eve of Pentecost - on Trinity, and the feast of the Holy Trinity itself is not the day of the departed, but the triumph of the living.

Among the common traditions of Russian culture associated with Orthodox holidays, one can note the consecration of willow and willow branches on the twelfth celebration of the Lord's Entry into Jerusalem. The Gospel testifies that before the entrance of the Savior into Jerusalem, directly to perform the feat of the Cross, people met Christ with palm branches. Such honors were offered to ancient rulers. The miracles of Jesus and his preaching caused special love and reverence for Christ among the ordinary Jewish people. In Russia, in memory of this historical event willow and willow branches are consecrated (for lack of palm trees in most cases).

The feasts of the Theotokos occupy a special place in the church calendar. For example, the day of the Nativity of the Mother of God, the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Assumption of the Mother of God. A special reverence for these days was expressed in putting aside all worldly fuss and striving to dedicate the day to God. It is no coincidence that in Russian culture there is an expression: "On the day of the Annunciation, the bird does not nest, and the maiden does not weave braids."

Many great Orthodox holidays have found their reflection not only in folk traditions but also in architecture. So, in Rus', many temples were erected, which are historical monuments, consecrated in honor of the great Christian holidays. There are many Russian Assumption Cathedrals (in honor of the Dormition of the Mother of God), Churches of the Nativity of Christ, Holy Entry Churches, Intercession Churches and many others.

The significance of the twelfth holidays in Orthodoxy

The twelfth holidays for every believer who regularly attends and observes all fasts have importance. This importance was predetermined by our distant ancestors, from the time of the existence of the Mother of God and Jesus Christ. Most modern states cultural, folk and religious traditions are closely intertwined. Even though functionality of the electronic age, we cannot yet abandon the historical heritage that holds multiple miracles, secrets and mysteries. In Russia, until 1925, all the twelfth holidays were also state holidays. The solemnity and observance of the significance of such holidays has not lost its relevance in our time. Some of them are officially celebrated in most countries of the world, when citizens are freed from labor and work. Approval at the legislative level of interaction between the State and the Church in Once again confirms this theory.

Twelfth non-passing holidays

non-passing, that is fixed holidays from year to year, for many centuries now, have the same date. It is worth noting that in almost all Orthodox calendars, holidays are celebrated in the new and old style (written in brackets). Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary accepted to read September 21. Why do we mention this holiday in the first place? Simply because, according to the old style, calculus church calendar starts on September 1st. So the legend says, because the establishment of this holiday took place back in the distant fourth century. The Most Holy Theotokos, she is also the Virgin Mary, was born into a family of poor and rather elderly, but no less happy spouses, September 8 (according to the old style), that is, September 21 in a new way, in distant Nazareth. The maiden became the mother of Jesus Christ as a result of an immaculate conception, and therefore it could not be otherwise than reckoning her to the ranks of the Saints.

Exaltation of the Holy Cross noted 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. With the cross, the great sacrifice of Jesus Christ is commemorated as atonement for the sins of all mankind.

The next hierarchical step is occupied by a holiday Entry into the Temple of the Blessed Virgin Mary, December 4. 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 note Jan. 7. The supernatural birth of the Divine Infant from the immaculate Virgin Mary makes it especially blessed and unusual.

Holiday Baptism of the Lord, or Epiphany, 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 history, approved February, 15(according to the new style) as a holiday Meeting of the Lord. God Himself, proclaimed in the form of the Holy Spirit, promised Elder Simeon 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 the day April 7. She was informed by the Holy Spirit about the immaculate conception and the birth of the Divine 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 image, 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.

Especially strict is fasting before Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (August 28). It is customary to commemorate a mournful day with mournful prayers, with the aim of consolation and edification for all Christians.

Twelfth rolling holidays

One week before the celebration of Easter, it is customary to celebrate rolling holiday Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem that is Palm Sunday. On this day, Jesus Christ was accepted as the Savior and Messiah, welcoming and recognizing him as a type of God. Clothes were laid before him, expecting blessings 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, thus ending the ministry of earthly life. The holiday always falls on a Thursday and reflects the sacredness of the Son's entry into the heavenly temple to His father.

The Holy Trinity falls on a Sunday, 50 days after Easter. Before this day, it is customary to celebrate Trinity Parents' Saturday and commemorate the dead.

Orthodox calendar

The calendar in Rus' was called the month word. It covered and described absolutely the entire year of the life of the peasants, in it certain holidays or weekdays corresponded to each day, folk omens, all kinds of weather events. 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 Paschalia. It is taking into account all the factors of the lunisolar calendar that Easter is first calculated - the most important and main holiday in every sense. The calculation of the first spring full moon follows immediately after the day spring equinox. Movement exact date Easter itself occurs within 35 days, that is, from April 4 to May 8. Thus, the date of this holiday is moved, but the day of the week, that is, Sunday, remains unchanged. Fasting periods and other traditional religious days, associated with the celebration of this unique holiday for believers, are counted based on this principle.

All Orthodox holidays are special dates for all Christians. These days they devote themselves to the Lord, completely leave the fuss inherent in everything worldly, reading prayers and performing the prescribed rituals. The most important are the most important church dates. These include the well-known Christmas and Easter.

History of church holidays

The main Orthodox church holidays and fasts trace their history back to ancient times, from the period of the Old Testament. The traditions established in the New Testament are also explained by ancient rites, associated with certain saints. And today they are trying to steadily observe them, because they have come down to us practically unchanged since ancient times.

modern church left behind each of these holidays a special status, which also has a special spiritual atmosphere, so honored by believers. These days, a special mode of life is often prescribed for ordinary people- you need to completely free yourself from everyday worries, setting aside time for serving God.

Ever since the 4th century, when the church was completely under the leadership of the authorities of Byzantium, there were strict prohibitions on violating church order. Not only fun, but also work was equally unacceptable. Later, during the reign of Constantine, an additional ban was imposed on trading on Sundays.

IN modern world Church Orthodox holidays have changed somewhat, but even so, the traditions have remained unchanged. Moreover, some of the main dates have moved into the category of public holidays. This is enshrined in law in almost every country whose inhabitants profess the Christian religion.

Church calendars

While some Orthodox holidays have fixed dates, others have floating dates from year to year. Church calendars were developed to keep track of them.

The history of the main non-transferring dates dates back to Julian calendar, which differs from the current Gregorian by almost 2 weeks. Each of the established non-transferable holidays has a clearly defined date, which does not depend on the day of the week and other factors.

A feature of the group of movable Orthodox holidays is that these dates shift in the calendar from year to year. The countdown is relative to Easter. Its date is calculated based on the lunar calendar.

Not everyone knows that Easter is strictly unacceptable to celebrate:

before the spring equinox;
together with the Jewish church;
before the first full moon in the spring.

In total, the halves of such a calendar of the main dates of the Orthodox Church form a complete cycle.

Year through the eyes of an Orthodox Christian

To take into account all the Orthodox holidays of the summer or any time of the year, as well as the fasting periods that occur during these periods, specialized calendars are compiled. In addition to the main dates, they always contain detailed description and holiday features Orthodox posts. In addition to the information listed in good calendars are recorded highlights modern church life and the days allotted as memorial.

Year through the eyes Orthodox Christian very saturated. It consists of many fasts that are set to prepare for certain holidays, one-day fasts. Such a large number of action is explained simply - people should not have too much time for activities that are not pleasing to God.

Orthodox holidays and their features

Actually, the dates of the celebration are understood as celebrations that have a general church character. Within the framework of each such day, a certain sacred event is honored or simply remembered.

Each of these holidays is included in the weekly liturgical cycle or in the annual one, valid for each Orthodox Church.

All Orthodox holidays in the year are tied to honoring the memory of saints or events that happened earlier.

One way or another, the duty of any Orthodox Christian is strict observance and veneration important dates and posts. As a preparation for most of them, it is recommended to read prayers, perform the rite of communion, observe the prescribed fasts and other charitable actions, including helping those in need.

The composition of the church calendar reflects the alternation of weekdays with Orthodox holidays. Here are all the dates that are recorded in church books. Special attention given to each of Sundays, which are called none other than a small Easter.

12 major Orthodox dates

As part of Orthodox culture a total of twelve most important holidays stand out. Each of them corresponds to some significant event in the framework of the Old and New Testaments. The most important holiday among them is, of course, Easter.

Passing Twelfth Feasts

Those dates that are festive in modern Christianity, but are not constant in the calendar from year to year, are called rolling twelfth. Easter also belongs to this category, as it is celebrated on different days every year.

Based on the date on which Easter falls, Orthodox holidays are determined in September and in other months, including:

Palm Sunday, that is, the entrance to Jerusalem. It is celebrated exactly 7 days before Easter.
Ascension. This Orthodox holiday falls on the 40th day after Easter. It's always Thursday. This date corresponds to the appearance of Jesus to the Lord.
The holiday falls on the 50th day after Easter, symbolizes the coming of the Holy Spirit to the apostles.

Easter holiday

This is the main celebration in the Orthodox calendar. It symbolizes victory over death. The day is tied to those events of the past on which the very doctrine of Christianity as such is built.

The shed blood at the crucifixion of the Savior then washed away original sin. It is a full celebration of life over death. It is not surprising that this is the most important among other holidays.

Entrance to Jerusalem

This holiday is better known to us as Palm Sunday. This is no less significant event within the framework of Christian teaching as such. It correlates with the arrival of the Savior in the city and denotes the voluntariness of the sufferings accepted by Christ.

This date is annually determined based on Easter, more precisely, exactly one week before it.

Pentecost

Not everyone knows which Orthodox holiday is called Pentecost. It is popularly called the Holy Trinity Day.

It is associated with the coming of the Holy Spirit to the apostles. In addition, this particular date is associated with the discovery of its third hypostasis in the Trinity, after which the triune principle of God was immortalized within the framework of Christianity.

Permanent Twelfth Feasts

Most of the main dates within the Orthodox calendar are constant, for each of them a certain day of the year is determined, and they in no way depend on Easter. This category includes:

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is the date of her ascension, falls on August 28. It is preceded by a major and important Dormition Fast. This is explained by the fact that the Mother of God herself, until the end of her days, adhered to abstinence and prayed unceasingly.
Introduction of the Blessed Virgin. This event falls on December 4th. The date corresponds to when her parents completely dedicated the child to God.
Baptism. Celebrated January 19th. The date corresponds to the moment when John the Baptist washed the Savior in the Jordan. Then he told about his great mission, but for this news he was subsequently killed. There is also the feast of the Epiphany.
Annunciation. Every year falls on the Date correlates with the arrival of Gabriel to the Mother of God, who announced her special child and his destiny.
Birth of the Virgin. The date falls on September 21, on this day the mother of the Savior was born. The modern church considers this no less significant event in the doctrine than all others. After all, her parents for many years did not have their own children. The Virgin Mary became a gift from above for them. It is generally accepted that conception had a blessing from above.
Exaltation of the Cross. On September 27, the life-giving cross was found. Back in the 4th century, Queen Helen, who led Palestine at that time, began the search for it. Of the three crosses, the only one of the Lord was identified, it was he who brought healing to a terminally ill person.
Christmas is celebrated on January 7th. This date is known to every person, even if he does not belong to the category of believing Christians. On this day, the earthly birth of Jesus took place, who appeared in the flesh from the Mother of God.
Meeting falls on February 15th. This is the date when a newborn baby was first brought into the temple. The word translated from Old Church Slavonic sounds like a meeting.
The Transfiguration is celebrated every year on August 19th. On this day, Jesus prayed with his disciples when the prophets told about his impending death, accompanied by many torments, and the subsequent resurrection after a few days. Then Jesus himself learned about his great mission, so the date became one of the main twelfth holidays.

Each of these dates is of great importance in modern Christian teaching. For every believer special days when it is important to attend church and pray, and in some cases also perform certain rituals.

Orthodox calendars

To know exactly what Orthodox holiday today, you need to look church calendar. It indicates absolutely all holidays, combination days, all long and short posts, and other information.

A special place in such calendars is occupied by days for the veneration of saints. It will contain a prayer for each of them.

Features of the main Orthodox holidays

Church celebrations are characterized by:

Dressing the ministers in clothes light color, which symbolizes the Kingdom of God and its greatness.
Conducting liturgy and hymns for the holiday.
Mandatory attendance at the church. Today, there are no hard and fast rules regarding this requirement, but all believers strive to give up any activities and set aside time to attend church.

Another feature of church holidays is that their number is quite large. Therefore, sometimes it happens that on one day there are several significant dates at once.

Here are some facts about the observance of the holidays by believers:

Today, Orthodox holidays from the category of the Twelfth include not only directly celebrating, but also fore-celebrating along with giving.
For each great date all-night vigils are held.
Before a number of dates, fasting is necessary for all believing Christians, so many, knowing what Orthodox holiday is coming soon, think over their food.
Usually three days are spent on pre-celebration, with the exception of Epiphany (four days) along with Christmas (five days).

Today, everything is sacred to everyone fixed holidays and observe fasts, as prescribed by the doctrine. An assistant and a hint for them is the Orthodox calendar.

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