orthodox fasting calendar 2022 orthodox fasting calendar 2022

Abune SeyfeMichael | Gedam Tsa'ida Imba Qidist Silasie, 3 Characteristics of A Successful Marriage, Hymns for Angels & Saints (Nay Melaktn Qidusan Tsadqanat). The word "nativity" means "birth." In western countries, this day became known as Christmas (Christ's Mass) because it is a day when religious services (which some churches call a "Mass" and we call the "Liturgy") are held to celebrate the birth of Christ, the Son of God, our . This special period lasts 40 days, the same as Lent, and it is therefore sometimes called the Winter Lent. 4) The Great Fast: The Great Fast (Great Lent) is from sundown on Cheese Fare Sunday through Great Holy Saturday. Share this entry. The Fast is thought to have been instituted out of thanksgiving to God for the witness of Beginning of Great Lent - 07.03.2022, Pascha - 24.04.2022, Pentecost - 12.06.2022. The Orthodox Observer places the Church in the context of the current world we live in through a diverse and informative experience offering participants meaningful exchange with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, her ministries, and affiliates. Sundown of the Sunday of the Fathers through June 28. a. If you are finding our content useful, you feel it is worthy enough not to be used for free, and are able to, please consider supporting our project; we are sincerely grateful for your contribution. Explore . The earliest date it can fall is 4 April and the latest is 8 May. Orthodox calendar with extensive lives of saints for each day. In 1962, I went to the USA. 7. Sadok replied: "We are ready with all our hearts to die for our God, and will not worship fire or the sun." murder of a prophet, whom earlier he had heeded. But because of the guests and his careless oath, he gave orders to cut off the head of Saint John and to give We eat with great moderation and abstain from: all meat, meat products, dairy products, eggs, fish, olive oil and wine. On Saturday of the first week, the usual rule for Lenten Saturdays begins (see below). On these days, we follow a strict fast, unless these dates fall on a Saturday or Sunday, in which case we follow a fast including oil and alcohol. Fasting, aided by vigil, penetrates and softens hardness of heart. A Service from our Parish in York - the Orthodox Calendar and Lectionary complete with British and Irish Saints. Officially, these days are strict fasting days. Therefore, in order to fully enjoy the benefits of fasting, the believer should combine both physical and spiritual abstinence, together with prayer and struggle for the acquisition of virtues. On other days of the week, we abstain from meat, meat products and dairy products; but fish, wine and olive oil are permitted. Throughout the year, the Orthodox fast on Wednesdays and Fridays, remembering the betrayal of Judas and the suffering of Jesus on the cross. According to Sacred Tradition, as part of their preparation, they began a fast with prayer to ask God to strengthen The Greek Orthodox Church levels of fasting can be roughly grouped as follows: Uncooked raw vegan foods (raw vegetables, fruit, nuts), possibly with some bread or similar. The coptic calendar is based on the ancient Egyptian calendar and is used by the Coptic Orthodox Church for its liturgical readings and determination and commemoration of dates for fasts and feasts. This Web site by St. Thomas Orthodox Church is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 - powered by Enfold WordPress Theme. Search, . News / In many Christian churches, several weeks prior to Christmas are known as Advent, from a Latin word that means coming. In the Orthodox Church, this season of preparation for the Nativity of Christ always begins on November 15, the day after the Feast of the Apostle Philip. Friday is the most important day to fast, with the next most important being Wednesday. There appeared one day in that town a magician called Heliodorus, who deluded the people with many illusions and greatly seduced the young. for fasting is the beginning and foundation of every spiritual activity. First, keep the Churchs fasting rule as well as you are able, then decide on additional disciplines, in consultation with your priest. On the fast days mentioned above Orthodox Christians abstain from all meat, meat products, dairy products, fish, olive oil and alcoholic beverages. Fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays throughout the year, except during fast free periods. If You liked our Work and effort then please consider to make a kind donation: Share. The Mission of The Orthodox Church in America, the local autocephalous Orthodox Christian Church, is to be faithful in fulfilling the commandment of Christ to Go into all the world and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. The celebration of when Christ instituted the Holy Eucharist. Church calendar with all holidays, celebrations and fasts of the year. I stayed there a long time and travelled to many states. Special thanks to theDepartment of Youth & Young Adult Ministriesof the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America (Y2AM) for allowing us to embed their videos into our webpage. Holy Week: The Thursday evening meal is ideally the last meal taken until Pascha. The celebration of when our Lord Jesus Christ ascended to heaven. Saints days and other Feast Days were established by the church herself. The church observes this fast following the example of our Lord. Feast of the Annunciation (March 25): Fish-eating, even if it is on a Wednesday or Friday. Palm Sunday: Fish-eating. Feast of the 40 Martyrs (March 9): Fast including oil and alcohol, for those generally following a strict fast. Synaxis of Archangel Gabriel (March 26): Fast including oil and alcohol, for those generally following a strict fast. The Dormition Fast is a stricter fast than either the Nativity Fast (Advent) or the Apostles' Fast, with only wine and oil (but no fish) allowed on weekends. His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros (Lambriniadis) of America was born in 1967 in Bakirky, Istanbul. 20 Feb 2023 New Moon. Telegram | Orthodox calendar January February March April May June July August September October November December Orthodox calendar Catholic calendar Muslim calendar Jewish calendar Hindu calendar Apart from fasting periods, the Orthodox Church has also determined absolute non-fasting periods in which we dont fast, even on Wednesdays and Fridays. The Church's traditional teaching on fasting is not widely known or followed in our day. Fast-free PeriodsComplementing the four fasting seasons of the Church are four fast-free weeks:Nativity to Eve of Theophany.Week following the Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee.Bright Week the week after Pascha.Trinity Week the week after Pentecost, ending with All Saints Sunday. to his being taken to be crucified; but in the wider sense it is understood in terms of his Ascension into heaven, and his commission Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. . Though the rules may appear quite strict to those who have not seen them before, they were developed with all of the faithful, not only monks, in mind. 18 March, 2023 - Annual Western PA/OH Pan-Orthodox Lenten Retreat April 1, 2023 - Lenten Retreat Praying our way together during Great Lent Recent Galleries 02/25/2023 02/20/2023 Mailing Address Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA P.O. Ukrainian troops shelled Donetsk from Grad MLRS, Ukrainian troops shelled Donetsk and Horlivka, Forecaster spoke about the weather in Moscow on Saturday, Ukrainian troops shelled Donetsk with NATO-caliber shells, Adviser to the Prime Minister of Hungary spoke about the successful filling of gas storage facilities, Europe will regret that they did not understand Hungarian, The Public Chamber proposed to tell schools about the referendum, Ukrainian troops shelled Donetsk and Yasinovataya. b. If the believer wants to regain Paradise, s/he must fix their broken state, the one introduced by Adam and Eve, by demonstrating obedience to all of Gods commandments; so s/he should also respect and abide by the commandment of fasting. Peter and Paul Fast): During these two fast periods Wednesdays and Fridays are strict fast days as usual. Instagram | Feast of the Transfiguration (August 6): Fish-eating, even if it is on a Wednesday or Friday. Great Lent (Or the Great Forty Days): Great Lent actually begins on Clean Monday, 48 days before the feast of Pascha. antiochian orthodox christian archdioceseof north america, 358 Mountain Road, Englewood, New Jersey 07631, archdiocese@antiochian.org | (201) 871-1355, About | Clergy Resources | Contact | Site FAQ | Login, 2020 Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America. (Few laymen keep these rules in their fullness). These dates are indicated on the Web Calendar of our websites homepage. Officially, we should followastrict fast all weekdays and fast including oil and alcoholon Saturdays and Sundays: Saturdays because we commemorate God resting after the Creation and Christ resting in the tomb; Sundays because we commemorate the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Consult a Rabbi if this is not possible. The Hieromartyr Antipas, Bishop of Pergamum in Asia, The Holy Martyrs Processus and Martinian, Venerable Pharmuthius, anchorite of Egypt (4th c.), Venerable James, abbot of Zhelezny Bor (1442), Venerables Euthymius (1456) and Chariton (1509), abbots of Syanzhema . Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading 2022 Daily Lives, Miracles, and Wisdom of the Saints & Fasting Calendar. 29. Headline News /. Other FastsThe Eve of Theophany, the Exaltation of the Cross and the Beheading of John the Baptist are fast days, with wine and oil allowed. The Cross, the official emblem of the Empire which was placed We also abstain from any type of oil and all kinds of alcohol. The fast of the Assumption of the Holy Virgin Mary. The Nativity of Virgin Mary | Lideta leMaryam May 9, Asteriyo Mariyam-The Departing of Saint Mary, The Four Living Creatures | Arba'itu Ensisa. For the first fourteen days of August during each year, the Holy Orthodox Church enters into a strict fast period in honor of the Mother of God, the Virgin Mary. (Monks do not eat meat, so rules regarding the eating of meat cannot have been written with them in mind. The tradition of the Fast has existed at least since Pope Leo I (461 AD), as is evidenced by his homilies, though it has 2022 Fasting Calendar Download. I beseech you, brethren, let each of us strive that this may happen in us! 6. They + 9 feasts of the Lord + 33 feasts of our Lady, Virgin Mary 2023 Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church Diocese of the U.S.A and Canada. pp. The Lenten liturgical program was synthesized throughout time. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. 2023Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. They chose to disobey Him, and thus were excluded from Paradise. This means we do not allow for users to break our material up into individual parts (images or text), or to copy decorative images and text from our website, and use those parts in their own creations analog, digital, or online even if these creations are only meant to be used for teaching. Monastics eat only one full meal a day on strict fast days, two meals on Wine and oil days (see below). it to Salome. Meat Fare Week this is a normal week except that oil and wine are not permitted on Wednesday or Friday. Sdn Tim Grace25 Dec 2022 - 9:00pm. Weekly FastUnless a fast-free period has been declared, Orthodox Christians are to keep a strict fast every Wednesday and Friday. On Wednesdays and Fridays, fasting like the rest of the year. + There are 180 of fasting days in total which are obligatory for all Orthodox Christians. 31. First Week of Lent: Only two full meals are eaten during the first five days, on Wednesday and Friday after the Presanctified Liturgy. Non-fasting PeriodsFor the Christian, all foods are clean. January 5 in preparation for the great Despotic Feast of Theophany and for receiving the blessed water. September 14, Elevation of the Cross. August 29, Beheading of St. John the Baptist. weekly wall newspaper for churches, lectorium, photos, videos, hosting and servers. Why do Orthodox Christians bow to Saints? Venerable Mother Mary of Egypt. The Marital FastMarried couples are expected to abstain from sexual relations throughout the Churchs four fasting seasons, as well as on the weekly Wednesday and Friday fasts. During the year, and in addition to Wednesdays and Fridays, there are a few daily fasts, which dont fall inside the longer fasting periods. The Churchs traditional teaching on fasting. These are: Twelvetide, December 26 to January 6: We eat everything every day, with the exception of January 5 (strict fast, see above). Easter week, from Pascha Sunday to Thomas Sunday: We eat everything every day. Pentecost week, from Pentecost Sunday to All Saint Sunday: We eat everything every day. Mid-Pentecost Wednesday: Fish-eating. Leavetaking (Apodosis) of Pascha (falls on a Wednesday): Fish-eating. Two weeks within the Triodion period:* Week 1: We eat everything every day. The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist, a Feast day established by the Church, is also a strict fast To order, send a check payable to the Orthodox Church in America to PO Box 675, Syosset, NY 11791. A literal interpretation of the rule forbids only olive oil. It is not our fasting that pleases God, it is the fruits of our fast (provided we fast in the proper mind set, and do not merely diet) that please Him. I haven't been able to find the 2022 one yet. + The longest periods of fasting are those of Lent. We abstain from all animal-derived foods (meat, dairy, eggs, and fish); the only exception is non-backbone seafood (shrimp, calamari, octopus, squid), which we can eat. Church Holidays and Fasts in 2022 (first date according to the Church (Julian) Calendar, second according to the civil calendar) April 11/24 HOLY PASCHA. Olive oil and wine are also restricted. Olive oil and wine are permitted on Saturday and Sunday only. The vile girl on the advice of her wicked mother Herodias asked that she be given the head of John the Baptist on a platter. The Desk Calendar also highlights the dates of the 20th All-American Council but does not include diocesan and national events such as diocesan assemblies, seminary commencement dates, Holy Synod and Metropolitan Council meetings. In the United States the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate Church, Russian Orthodox Church, and Greek Hellenic Orthodox Church celebrate . Fasting gradually disperses and drives away spiritual darkness and the veil of sin that lies on the soul, just as the sun dispels the mist. Having rejoiced for fifty days following Pascha (Easter), the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Apostles began to prepare for Great and Holy Saturday is a. November 15 to December 17, all days except Wednesday and Friday: Fish-eating. It is the longest and strictest Orthodox fasting period. The day celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, the son of God. + There are 7 official fasting periods ordained in the Fetha Negest. Health ConcernsDuring fasting seasons, avoiding prohibited foods poses no health risk as long as adequate amounts of other foods are taken. 1) The Nativity Fast (Advent): Nov. 15 Dec. 24. Olive oil and wine are permitted on Saturday and Sunday. The Archdiocese responds to the spiritual needs of the Greek Orthodox Christian Faithful through National Ministries, providing programs and services to your local parishes, Metropolises, and you. This fast is followed on specific fasting periods and on some feast days. Week before Lent ("Cheesefare Week"): Meat and other animal products are prohibited, but eggs and dairy products are permitted, even on Wednesday and Friday. If you are baffled by what to cook during the fast, consult any of the many vegetarian cookbooks now available in bookstores or your public library. It dates back to the beginning of humanity, when God gave the commandment of fasting to Adam and Eve, asking them not to eat the forbidden fruit. Symeon the New Theologian: the Discourses, pub. It is known as "the great fast," and all animal products, including milk, butter, and cheese, are not to be eaten. Saturdays and Sundays in the Second through Sixth Weeks: Wine and oil are permitted; otherwise the strict fasting rule is kept. During the Nativity Fast, Orthodox Christians perpare for the celebration of the Nativity of Christ. Work of the Church / 200. )Olive oil. fasting periods ordained in the Fetha Negest. If you are new to fasting, you may find the onset of hunger pangs distressing. We make a conscious effort to follow someone elses will and not our own, which, as mentioned, is the main path to our salvation according to the Orthodox faith. The Saint Herman Calendar, published annually by St. Herman of Alaska Press, is also a good day-by-day guide. It resembles the Nativity Fast, which means fish-eating, except Wednesdays and Fridays, when we fast like the rest of the year. This website is prepared by Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church, Diocese of the U.S.A and Canada and its purpose is to spread the word of God and educate the Orthodox Tewahdo way to all people in the world. Read the ingredient lists on processed and packaged foods. One night St Simeon appeared to him in a dream and said: "Yesterday, me; today, you!" Butter, milk solids, whey, meat broth and lard are common additives. where once were the vapors of drunkenness it causes fountains of compunction to spring forth. We also pledged never to include advertisements in our website. This day celebrates the resurrection of Jesus from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion on Orthodox Good Friday. For example, 5 euros a month is it a lot or little? + The longest periods of fasting are those of Lent. (Mt. . April 4/17 The Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem. The Orthodox Church uses the Julian calendar for the calculation of Easter, whereas the Western churches use the Gregorian calendar. A short walk can make a surprising difference in your energy. Great Lent. Sadok was bishop in Persia after St Simeon. Tags: 2022, calendar, fasting. Do not be discouraged by headaches, fatigue, etc. For example, a user is not permitted to include our material in any way in their own slideshows, worksheets or videos (local or in the cloud), even if they mention us as the source. During the Nativity Fast, we see vestments and cloths that are purple, a color that is a symbol of repentance. 4:2). Proceeds of the program book will be evenly split between the FOCA and the OCA with the OCA portion supplementing the youth activities at the AAC. 0 coins. In addition, it is also in accordance with the fervor of his ceaseless penitence and its constant working in the secret chamber of his heart that this is accomplished more quickly or more slowly by the gift and grace of God. They will take much time, labor, and pain, in accordance with each mans attitude and willingness, according to the measure of faith and ones contempt for the objects of sight and thought. (This aspect of the fasting rule is probably even more widely ignored, and more difficult for many, than those relating to food. First Week of Lent: Only two full meals are eaten during the first five days, on Wednesday and Friday after the Presanctified Liturgy. In gratitude to the girl, he swore to give her whatever she would ask, up to half his kingdom. Every Orthodox Christian is aware and generally knows the reason behind the fasts for Pascha and Christmas. 29. Works offline. We are offering our material to the public to be used as a whole, and only for classroom and personal use. Resources for teaching our budding rocks of faith. On Annunciation and Palm Sunday, fish is also permitted. There is a great number of feasts in the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church. + Advent and Qusquam (40 days preceding, 'the Fast of the flight to Egypt'). Russian Church official: let's not dramatize the Pan-Orthodox Council situation, Today, dialogue is the only civilized solution to all problems and perplexities, excluding the escalation of evil and, On Thursday, 23 January 2014, over 600 people filled a room at Eleon Loft in Athens to hear, If there is any virtue that seems completely foreign to our culture, My dear brothers and sisters, to preach is a joyous but also, The cross of Christ, the Lords triumphant and life-giving death whereby He. And indeed, in that year, King Sapor arrested him with many of his clergy and people and brought them to trial. The extra 5 days are placed at the end of the year and known as Pagumen. Additional hard copies may be requested for a $20.00 donation per copy to offset costs of printing and shipping. If your address has changed and you have not communicated it to our office yet, please contact Mr. Migyanko. .. "#$% &' A. The following foods are avoided:Meat, including poultry, and any meat products such as lard and meat broth.Fish (meaning fish with backbones; shellfish are permitted).Eggs and dairy products (milk, butter, cheese, etc. In comparison to some mass media, we do not make paid subscription. The Orthodox Church teaches that fasting was instituted by God Himself. Key liturgical commemorations and significant historical dates for the year are also noted. For daily fasting instructions, you can consult the GOArch Online Chapel. Paulist Press. + Feasts of the Martyrs. If you adopt it, beware of pride, and pay no attention to anyones fast but your own. 2023Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. When fasting, we should eat simply and modestly. Cheese Fare Week (meat and meat products not permitted), c. Paschal Bright Week (the week after Pascha), e. the Nativity Season (Dec. 25 Jan. 5), f. the 50 days after Pascha (strict fasting is relaxed; consult your Father Confessor about fasting during this period). The celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Eastern Orthodox liturgical calendar describes and dictates the rhythm of the life of the Eastern Orthodox Church. refraining from certain kinds of food for a certain period of time, is a necessary tool in the believers effort to limit sin as far as possible and with the grace of God. The information contained on the website of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is for informational purposes only. 8 East 79th Street New York, NY 10075 + Monks/Nuns observe additional fast days not required of the lay people. + There is a 40 days fast for all new monks/nuns, beginning the day of consecration continues to seclusion. Fr. Most viewed holidays today: Independence Day Orthodox Easter Orthodox Pentecost In the dystopian film, Children of Men directed by Alfonso Cuarn, a world is imagined in the future where no more children are born, and, as the decades pass, humanity is plunged into despair. Refrain from meat, fish, oil, wine, dairy, and eggs. Orthodox calendar (Russian Orthodox Church) with feasts and fasts for years from 1900 to 2099 (perpetual calendar). If he does not, then he is not a Christian, whatever he may consider himself to be. From a sermon of Metropolitan Philaret, quoted in The Ladder of Divine Ascent, pub. He had great care for the sick and poor, and both his zeal for the Faith and his compassion for the needy were great. ExceptionsThe Church has always exempted small children, the sick, the very old, and pregnant and nursing mothers from strict fasting. 28. Eight weeks after Pascha comes the Sunday of This is not a comprehensive list of fasting dates, but rather a general reminder of the most important fasting guidelines. This Archdiocese is in continuity with the Church established there by Saints Peter and Paul. exaggerated music, gossip, accusations). The experience provides the faithful significant content to listen to, watch, and read; in order to lead, grow, and inspire. The Holy Righteous Martyr Eudocia the Samaritan, Joachim of Vatopedi who was given the name Papoulakis, Theodotos the Holy Martyr, Bishop of Cyrenia, The Holy Martyrs Eutropius, Cleonicus, and Basiliscus, First Saturday of Lent: The Commemoration of the Miracle of Kollyva wrought by Saint Theodore the Tyro, Paul & his sister Juliana and their Companions, Parthenios the New Martyr who contested in Didymoteichos, The Holy Martyred Bishops of Cherson: Basileus, Ephraim, Eugene, Capito, Aetherius, Agathodorus, and Elpidius, Theophylact the Confessor, Bishop of Nicomedia, Felix of Burgundy, Enlightener of East Anglia, George the New Wonderworker of Constantinople, Removal of the relics of Nicephorus, Patriarch of Constantinople, Euschemon the Confessor, Bishop of Lampasakos, Holy Apostle Aristobulos of the Seventy, Bishop of Britain, Trophimos & Eukarpion, Monk-martyrs of Nicomedea, Righteous Fathers slain at the Monastery of St. Savas, Cuthbert the Wonderworker, Bishop of Lindisfarne, The Holy Righteous Martyr Nicon and His 199 Disciples, Anatolios & Protoleon the Martyrs converted by the martyrdom of St. George, Forefeast of the Annunciation of the Theotokos, Our Holy Father Theonas, Archbishop of Thessolonica, Synaxis in honor of the Archangel Gabriel, Martyr Cyril the Deacon and Those with him, Eustathios the Confessor, Bishop of Bithynia, 5th Thursday of Lent: The Great Canon of Saint Andrew of Crete, John Climacus the Righteous, author of The Divine Ladder of Ascent, Sosthenes, Apollos, Cephas, Caesar, & Epaphroditos, the Apostles of the 70, The Holy Hieromartyr Hypatius, Bishop of Gangra, Innocent, Enlightener of Siberia & Alaska. Nativity Fast rules Passages of Holy Scripture , saints and events for commemoration are associated with each date, as are many times special rules for fasting or feasting that correspond to the day of the week or time of year in relationship to the major feast days . If you are troubled by lethargy, try moderate exercise. Certain individuals and institutions are presented for reference purposes only and may not be under the supervision or jurisdiction of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. The Nativity Fast is meant to get us ready, not for a present-opening party, but for a celebration of the birth of Christ. Especially during these times, the advice of her spiritual father Archimandrite Lazarus Moore stood her in good stead:Fasting is one of our greatest weapons against the Evil One. Share on Facebook; Share on Twitter; . The experience provides the faithful significant content to listen to, watch, and read; in order to lead, grow, and inspire. Abune Qierlos (Cyril) elected as our Church's 5th Patriarch, The First Sunday of the Great Lent (Zewerede), 4th Week of Lent (Metsagu) The Paralytic Man part 1, 4th Week of Lent (Metsagu) The Paralytic Man part 2, 5th Sunday of Lent Mount Of Olives (Debre Zeit) Part 1, 5th Sunday of Lent Mount of Olives (Debre Zeit) Part 2- Gods Mercy and Just, The 6th Sunday, the Good & Faithful Servant (part 1), The 7th Sunday: Nicodemus: A Ruler of the Jews (St John 3: 1-13), Good Friday Arbi Siqlet: Passion of Christ, The Feast of Ark of the Covenant | Hidar Tsion. Plans continue for the 20th All-American Council which will be held in Baltimore, MD on July 18-22, 2022. they would contribute greatly to our ability to spread the word of Christ, It is the strictest form of Orthodox fasting, usually reserved for days such as Holy Friday or practiced by monastics. Olive oil and wine are permitted on Saturday and Sunday. Similarly rules regarding marital abstinence apply only to the laity and married clergy.) First, given the pervasive misunderstanding of the purpose of fasting itself, a refresher on its purpose is always a good idea. The Fast of Great and Holy Friday is the strictest fast day of the year: even those who have not kept a strict Lenten fast are strongly urged not to eat on this day. For those Orthodox Christians who are seeking to keep a more disciplined fast, the following information may be helpful. The word nativity means birth. In western countries, this day became known as Christmas (Christs Mass) because it is a day when religious services (which some churches call a Mass and we call the Liturgy) are held to celebrate the birth of Christ, the Son of God, our Savior. OCA Diocese of the West has a calendar that will copy into your Google calendar not color coded though. Advertising order forms will be included with the 2022 OCA Desk Calendar mailing. Mother Gavrilia of blessed memory spent much time traveling in the service of Christ to places that separated her from the daily liturgical life of the Church.