The Church Year
Feasts
A simple overview of major Orthodox feast days—what we celebrate, why it matters, and where to go next for deeper reading.
Quick Overview
What is a feast day?
In the Orthodox Church, feast days are times of joyful remembrance—celebrations of Christ’s saving work, the Theotokos, and the saints. They shape our prayer, worship, and spiritual life throughout the year.
Great Feasts
The most prominent celebrations of the Church year—especially the feasts of the Lord and the Theotokos.
Feasts of the Lord
Feasts centered on the life of Christ (Nativity, Theophany, Transfiguration, Pascha, Ascension, Pentecost, and more).
Feasts of the Theotokos
Feasts honoring the Mother of God and her role in the mystery of Christ (Annunciation, Dormition, and more).
Saints & local feasts
Daily commemorations of saints, wonderworkers, and local patrons—often tied to a parish’s dedication.
Major Feast Days
Great Feasts (starter list)
This page will grow over time. For now, here are key feasts with placeholders for dates, Scripture readings, and hymns.
How to use this page
A simple way to keep the feasts
Feasts are best learned in the rhythm of parish life. Use this page as a guide, then bring questions to your priest and community.
Read the Gospel and Epistle readings
Attend Vespers and Divine Liturgy
Learn the Troparion & Kontakion
Practice gratitude and almsgiving