The "Feast of Feasts" celebrating Christ's Resurrection from the dead. The most important celebration in the Orthodox Church, Pascha determines the date of all moveable feasts. The service begins with the joyful midnight proclamation "Christ is Risen!" and continues with the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom.
Divine Liturgy
The central worship service of the Orthodox Church, celebrating the Eucharist (Holy Communion). Usually celebrated on Sundays and feast days, the Divine Liturgy consists of the Liturgy of the Word (scripture readings) and Liturgy of the Faithful (Eucharistic prayer and communion). The most common forms are the Liturgies of St. John Chrysostom and St. Basil the Great.
St. Tikhon of Moscow
The Patriarch of Moscow who led the Russian Orthodox Church through the Communist persecution. Celebrated on April 7th, Tikhon was elected Patriarch in 1917 and courageously opposed Soviet attempts to control the Church. He defended Orthodox faith and clergy during the most difficult period of Russian Church history. He represents faithful leadership under persecution.
Mid-Pentecost
The midpoint between Pascha and Pentecost, celebrated on the Wednesday of the fourth week after Pascha. This feast commemorates Christ teaching in the Temple during the Feast of Tabernacles, offering "living water" to those who believe. The day connects Christ's Resurrection with the coming gift of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing continuous spiritual refreshment.
Great Martyr George
The soldier-saint martyred under Diocletian, venerated as the 'Trophy-Bearer' for his victory over evil. Celebrated on April 23rd, George is patron of soldiers, England, and Georgia. The legend of his slaying a dragon symbolizes triumph over evil. His courage in maintaining faith despite torture makes him a model of Christian fortitude.
Apostle Mark
The evangelist who wrote the shortest Gospel, emphasizing Christ's divine power through miracles. Celebrated on April 25th, Mark was a companion of both Peter and Paul. He founded the Church in Alexandria and is patron of Venice. His Gospel, likely the first written, served as a source for Matthew and Luke.
St. Alexis of Wilkesbarre
The 20th-century Russian priest who served in Pennsylvania and was known for his pastoral care and spiritual gifts. Celebrated on May 13th, Alexis (Toth) came to America in 1889 and served Carpatho-Russian communities. Despite facing ecclesiastical difficulties, he remained faithful to Orthodox tradition and helped establish Orthodoxy in America.
Ascension of Christ
The celebration of Christ's ascension into heaven forty days after His Resurrection, witnessed by the Apostles. This moveable feast always falls on a Thursday and marks Christ's return to the Father and His promise to send the Holy Spirit. The feast emphasizes both Christ's divine nature and His continued presence with the Church.
St. John the Theologian
The Apostle and Evangelist John, author of the Fourth Gospel, three Epistles, and Revelation. Known as "the Theologian" for his profound spiritual insights and "the Beloved Disciple" for his closeness to Christ. Celebrated on May 8th, his feast honors his unique witness to Christ's divine nature and his care for the Theotokos.
Sts. Cyril and Methodius
The "Apostles to the Slavs" who brought Christianity and literacy to Slavic peoples in the 9th century. Celebrated on May 11th, these brothers created the Glagolitic alphabet and translated the Bible and liturgy into Old Church Slavonic. Their missionary work established Orthodox Christianity among the Bulgarians, Moravians, and other Slavic nations.
