December 4th is an Orthodox holiday. Presentation of Our Most Holy Lady Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary into the Temple

December for Orthodox believers is primarily a month completely dedicated. Lent, which began on November 28, is comparable in length to Lent - it lasts 40 days and ends on January 6, Christmas Eve. At the beginning of the month, one of the most important ones is celebrated. Twelve Feasts - Entry into the Temple of the Most Holy Theotokos. And in the second half of December is the day of one of the most beloved saints among the Orthodox - St. Nicholas the Pleasant. What Orthodox holidays are celebrated in December 2017, what is remarkable about the calendar of church holidays in the last month of the year.

Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary into the temple - December 4, 2017

On December 4 of every year (at least in our century) the twelfth permanent holiday is celebrated - Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary into the Temple. According to the Julian calendar, which is used by the Orthodox Church, this is November 21. We, however, are lucky to live at the turn of two centuries in which the difference between the Julian and Gregorian calendars is unchanged and amounts to 13 days. After 2100, this difference will already be 14 days, and all Orthodox holidays according to the calendar we are familiar with in the world will move a day forward, but only a few will live to see this.

However, we digress. What does the feast of the Entry into the Temple of the Blessed Virgin Mary mean?

Believers celebrate on this day a biblical event when three-year-old Mary was brought to the temple by her parents and given to serve God. Joachim and Anna, Mary's parents, were childless people for a very long time, and at some point Joachim despaired of waiting for children, was tired of enduring the ridicule of his neighbors and was offended by the fact that the priest drove a childless parishioner out of the church. Joachim went into the desert and vowed not to return home until he knew that he would become a father. The prayers of Joachim and his wife Anna, who learned about her husband’s act, yielded results - angels appeared to them, reassured the couple and told them that they would soon have a daughter. This daughter’s life must be dedicated to serving God, for she has been chosen by Him.

Three years passed after Mary's birth, and her parents fulfilled their promise by bringing their daughter to the temple. The high priest already knew that they would bring him a difficult girl. The angels warned him that she was God’s chosen one. He met the child and immediately led her to the most sacred place of the temple - the Holy of Holies. Even the high priest had the right to visit this place in very rare cases - no more than once a year.

For the next eleven years, Maria remained to live at the temple, where she was raised as a modest, hardworking girl.

Calendar of Orthodox holidays for December 2017

As for other Orthodox holidays in December, then, of course, the most important of the rest is December 19, the day in memory of St. Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, wonderworker. Nicholas the Wonderworker, who lived in the 3rd-4th centuries AD, is one of the most revered saints in Russia. In terms of the number of churches built in his honor and icons painted, Nikolai Ugodnik in pre-revolutionary Russia was the second Christian saint after the Mother of God. The name Nikolai was one of the most popular names for babies in those days. To this day, Nicholas the Wonderworker is revered as a very special saint. Everyone remembers the bringing of a particle of his relics last summer to Moscow and St. Petersburg, to which there were many-kilometer queues of pilgrims for many weeks. December 19 is the day of the saint’s death, marked as a memorial day in the Orthodox church calendar.

Other holidays in the Orthodox church calendar for December:

• 01.12 – Cathedral of Saints of the Estonian Land.
• 02.12 – celebration of the icon of the Mother of God, called “Consolation in Sorrows and Sorrows.”
• 03.12 – pre-celebration of the Entry into the Temple of the Most Holy Theotokos.
• 04.12 – Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary into the temple.
• 05.12 - memory of the apostles of the 70 Philemon and Archippus and the martyr Equal to the Apostles Apphia.
• 06.12 – memory of St. Gregory, Bishop of Akraganti.
• 07.12 – memory of the Great Martyr Catherine.
• 08.12 – celebration of the Feast of the Entry into the Temple of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
• 09.12 – commemoration of the consecration of the Church of the Great Martyr George the Victorious in Kyiv.
• 10.12 – commemoration of the sign of the Most Holy Theotokos, which took place in Novgorod the Great in 1170.
• 11.12 – finding the relics of the Venerable Confessor Sergius (Srebryansky), Archimandrite.
• 12.12 - memory of the martyr Paramon of Bithynia and with him 370 martyrs.
• 13.12 – memory of the Apostle Andrew the First-Called.
• 14.12 – memory of the prophet Nahum.
• 15.12 – memory of the prophet Habakkuk.
• 16.12 - memory of the Monk Savva, abbot of Storozhevsky, Zvenigorod wonderworker.
• 17.12 – memory of St. John of Damascus.
• 12.18 – memory of St. Gury, Archbishop of Kazan.
• 19.12 – memory of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.
• 20.12 – celebration in honor of the Seliger (Vladimir) Icon of the Mother of God.
• 21.12 - memory of the apostles from the 70 Sosthenes, Apollos (Apelius), Cephas, Tychicus, Epaphroditus, Caesar and Onesiphorus.
• 22.12 – Conception of the Most Holy Theotokos by righteous Anna.
• 23.12 – memory of the Venerable Anna (Stolyarova), confessor, schema-nun.
• 24.12 – Sunday of the Holy Forefathers.
• 25.12 - memory of Saint Spyridon, Bishop of Trimifuntsky, wonderworker.
• 26.12 – memory of Saint Dositheus (Barile), Metropolitan of Moldova.
• December 27 – commemoration of the martyrs Thirsus, Leucius and Callinicus.
• 28.12 – Cathedral of the Kola Saints.
• 29.12 – memory of St. Sophia of Suzdal.
• 30.12 – memory of the prophet Daniel and three youths - Ananias, Azariah and Misail.
• 31.12 – Sunday of the Holy Fathers.

The Orthodox holiday calendar is the easiest way to find out about upcoming religious events. Some of them are especially important, and it is advisable to prepare for them in advance.

It may seem that Orthodox events are not much different from ordinary holidays. They are celebrated according to traditions and signs are followed to avoid difficulties in the future. However, church celebrations have their own characteristics. On these days, believers remember the Great Saints, visit churches, attend divine services and participate in prayer services. The site team presents to your attention a calendar of Orthodox holidays for December, with the help of which you will not miss a single religious event.

Church Orthodox calendar for December 2017

December 4 - Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary into the temple. This event became one of the most important in the Orthodox world. It was from this day that the spiritual life of the Most Holy Theotokos began. Even before the birth of the Mother of God, her parents, Anna and Joachim, made a vow that after the birth of the child they would give him to the service of the Lord. They kept their promise, and when the young Virgin Mary was three years old, she was brought to the temple, where she lived until she was 12 years old. The holiday is one of the non-transitionable holidays, so it is celebrated annually on December 4th.

December 8 - Celebration of the Feast of the Entry into the Temple of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The completion of the festivities in honor of the Feast of the Entry into the Temple takes place on December 8th. On this day, believers visit temples, attend services and hold final celebrations dedicated to the great event.

December 9 is the Day of Remembrance of St. George the Victorious. St. George is the patron saint of the military. His image personifies strength, courage and invincibility. During his life, he endured a lot of suffering, and now helps everyone in the most difficult life situations. Icons depicting St. George the Victorious have no special purpose: people turn to the Saint for help with any problems. It is believed that the Great Martyr helps everyone who has faith in the power of the Lord.

December 10 is the Day of the Icon of the Mother of God “The Sign”. It is believed that images of the Mother of God are capable of working miracles. Many people praying to the Mother of God for help spoke about incredible healing from incurable diseases and about her help and support in difficult situations. On December 10, you will be able to visit the temple and pray in front of the icon of the Mother of God “The Sign”. Do not forget that the Blessed Virgin Mary helps only those who turn to her sincerely and with good thoughts.

December 19 is the Day of Remembrance of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. Despite the fact that every month we honor the memory of the Saints, more than one Orthodox event is dedicated to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. During his life, he was a believer and a kind person and never refused to help those in need, for which he is famous to this day. Throughout his life, Saint Nicholas fought against paganism and defended Orthodox believers against the attacks of atheists. Many churches were built in honor of the Great Martyr, and his images adorn the walls of many religious institutions. A prayer addressed to Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker will help you get rid of illnesses, find a family, and achieve justice. When going on a trip, be sure to take the icon with you, and it will become your amulet.

December 22 - Conception of the Most Holy Theotokos by Righteous Anna. Until their old age, the couple Anna and Joachim could not conceive a child. One day, the father of the Mother of God wanted to bring gifts to the Lord God, but the priest refused to accept them, calling Jokaim a sinner. The disappointed man went to the desert and stayed there for 40 days. At this time, Anna was alone at home. One day she went for a walk and saw a nest with chicks. The unfortunate woman, in tears, began to pray and ask for the gift of a child, whom she would definitely give to serve God. At that moment, Anna saw an Angel, who said that the Lord had heard her prayers, and soon she would have a daughter. It is believed that the conception of the Virgin Mary was a real Providence of God, which is why this day is so revered among Orthodox believers.

December 25 is the Day of Remembrance of Spyridon of Trimifuntsky. In the religious world, material values ​​are not important, but for modern man they are necessary. People often turn to the Saint in times of financial difficulties and unemployment. Even during his lifetime, Spyridon of Trimifuntsky helped the poor and needy in worldly matters.

It is believed that only by eradicating faith in a Higher Power helps believers achieve what they want. With the help of strong prayer, you can not only achieve the fulfillment of your dreams, but also radically change your life for the better. Let harmony reign in your life, and don't forget to press the buttons and

30.11.2017 05:23

Everyone loves Christmas and looks forward to it. However, there are some rules that will help you correctly...

December 2019 is traditionally considered the month preparing believers for the celebration of the Nativity of Christ. In December, the Nativity Fast continues, which began at the end of November 2019, which will end directly on January 7, 2020 (Christmas). Fasting has certain rules for eating; there are special days for eating oil and fish. The consumption of meat and dairy products is strictly prohibited. Despite the abstinence from idle food, the month is rich in church commemorations and celebrations.

Cathedral of Saints of the Estonian Land

December 1. At the request of the Estonian Patriarchate, in 2002, Patriarch Alexy of Moscow signed a decree on the appointment of a commemoration of the Council of Saints of the Estonian Land, including 17 saints in the Cathedral for commemoration, among whom John of Kronstadt is mentioned.

Icon of the Mother of God “Consolation in Sorrows and Sorrows”

According to historical sources, the icon came to the Athos Monastery to Hieroschemamonk Vissarion after Bishop Athanasius III of Moscow traveled with it. After the icon was transferred to the Nativity of Christ Monastery, Scrolls were written from the icon and delivered to various monasteries in Russia. The icon is revered by believers for the miraculous healings that occurred to parishioners. The icon of the Mother of God “Consolation in Sorrows and Sorrows” is a tricuspid folding with the image of the Mother of God standing surrounded by the great martyrs. Among them are St. George the Victorious, John the Baptist and St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.

Presentation of Our Most Holy Lady Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary into the Temple

From 4 to 8 December. According to the Biblical text, Joachim and Anna could not give birth to a child until they were very old. Being in prayer every day, they made a vow to God that after the birth of the child, they would give him to the ministry. After a certain time, they gave their three-year-old daughter Maria to serve in the temple. In order to enter the temple, the girl had to climb 15 steps, which she miraculously climbed without outside help. The high priest of the temple, who met Mary, blessed her for service and, unexpectedly for everyone, at the instigation of the Holy Spirit, escorted her to the Holy Place of the temple, where women were not previously allowed to enter. The Holy Spirit, in the guise of the High Priest, testified that Mary would become the future Mother of the Son of God Jesus Christ. After this, Mary was left at the temple to serve God and remained there for eleven years.

Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “The Sign”

December 10. During the invasion of Novgorod in the 12th century, the Holy Image helped the Orthodox survive. Later, Holy Lists (man-made icons painted from the original) were written from the icon, which were distributed throughout Russia.

Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called

December 13th. The disciple of John the Baptist and brother of Peter walked with Jesus Christ until the crucifixion. According to Russian legend, after the crucifixion of Christ he preached all over the world and reached Rus'. He died a martyr's death and was executed by crucifixion.

Saint Barbara the Great Martyr

December 17. An Orthodox holiday with Russian roots. Saint Barbara was the daughter of the noble Dioscorus. During the time of the pagans, Varvara converted to Christianity, for which she was beheaded by her father, who was then struck by lightning. The relics of the Saint are kept in the Vladimir Cathedral in Kyiv.

Celebrating the Day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker

December 19th. In many religions, in addition to Christianity, Nicholas the Pleasant is revered for his holy service to people and mercy. He wandered for many years, serving the Lord. Nikolai Ugodnik is known for his intercession for sinners before the Lord, helping in prayer for the health and prosperity of small children and those in burden. From the next day, fasting becomes stricter; eating any fish is prohibited.

Icons of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy”

December 22. Gives forgiveness and peace to praying sinners and patronizes those in repentance.

It should be noted that fasting is not obligatory for every believer. There are several rules for exemption from fasting:

Those who are sick (sick), pregnant women (pregnant women), infants and children under three years of age are exempt. Elderly people can also receive an exemption from fasting or a restriction on certain foods, just talk about it with the Priest or Father. Secular holidays (New Year) do not exempt believers from fasting, since secular holidays are not church holidays. Throughout December 2019, a relaxed Nativity Fast is being observed. The strict Nativity Fast begins on 01/02/2020 and lasts until 01/07/2020, until the immediate advent of the Nativity of Christ.