Russian Orthodox Calendar 2023

Introduction

As a follower of the Russian Orthodox Church, I have always been fascinated by the rich traditions and customs of my faith. One of the most important aspects of our faith is the liturgical calendar that guides our worship and spiritual practices throughout the year. In this article, I will share my personal experience of following the Russian Orthodox calendar in 2023 and explore the significance of some of the most important festivals and events.

What is the Russian Orthodox Calendar?

The Russian Orthodox Calendar is a liturgical calendar that guides the worship and spiritual practices of the Russian Orthodox Church. It is based on the Julian calendar, which is 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar used in the Western world. As a result, many of the festivals and events in the Russian Orthodox calendar fall on different dates than those celebrated by other Christian denominations.

World Events and Festivals in Russian Orthodox Calendar 2023

One of the most important festivals in the Russian Orthodox calendar is Easter, which is celebrated on April 16th in 2023. This is followed by the Feast of the Ascension on June 1st and the Feast of Pentecost on June 11th. Other important festivals include the Feast of the Transfiguration on August 6th and the Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God on August 28th.

Easter

Easter is the most important festival in the Russian Orthodox calendar, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. In the week leading up to Easter, known as Holy Week, Orthodox Christians engage in a period of fasting and prayer. On Easter Sunday, the faithful attend church services and engage in traditional rituals such as the lighting of candles and the sharing of Easter eggs, which symbolize new life and the resurrection.

Feast of the Ascension

The Feast of the Ascension marks the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven, forty days after his resurrection. It is celebrated with church services and the ringing of church bells. In some parts of Russia, it is traditional to release doves into the sky to symbolize the ascension of Christ.

Feast of Pentecost

Pentecost commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and the birth of the Christian Church. It is celebrated with church services and the reading of the Gospel account of the descent of the Holy Spirit. In some parts of Russia, it is traditional to decorate churches with greenery and flowers to symbolize the coming of the Holy Spirit.

Feast of the Transfiguration

The Feast of the Transfiguration commemorates the transfiguration of Jesus Christ on Mount Tabor, when his divine nature was revealed to his disciples. It is celebrated with church services and the reading of the Gospel account of the transfiguration. In some parts of Russia, it is traditional to bless grapes on this day, as a symbol of the abundance of God’s blessings.

Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God

The Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God commemorates the death and assumption into heaven of the Virgin Mary. It is celebrated with church services and the reading of the Gospel account of the death of Mary. In some parts of Russia, it is traditional to bless herbs on this day, as a symbol of the healing power of the Virgin Mary.

List of Events and Festivals in Russian Orthodox Calendar 2023

January 7th – Christmas
February 15th – Feast of the Meeting of the Lord
April 16th – Easter
May 25th – Feast of the Ascension
June 11th – Feast of Pentecost
July 12th – Feast of Saints Peter and Paul
August 6th – Feast of the Transfiguration
August 28th – Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God
September 14th – Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross
December 19th – Feast of St. Nicholas

Question & Answer

Q: Why does the Russian Orthodox calendar use the Julian calendar?

A: The Russian Orthodox Church continues to use the Julian calendar because it was the calendar in use at the time of the schism between the Eastern and Western Churches in 1054. The use of the Julian calendar is seen as a symbol of the Church’s continuity with its historical roots.

Q: What is the significance of Easter in the Russian Orthodox Church?

A: Easter is the most important festival in the Russian Orthodox Church, as it celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It is a time of great spiritual significance, marked by fasting, prayer, and the celebration of church services. The Easter season is also a time of renewal and new beginnings, symbolized by the sharing of Easter eggs.

Q: What is the Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God?

A: The Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God commemorates the death and assumption into heaven of the Virgin Mary. It is a time of great spiritual significance, as it celebrates the role of the Virgin Mary as the Mother of God and the embodiment of divine grace and mercy. The feast is celebrated with church services and the reading of the Gospel account of the death of Mary.

Q: How is the Feast of the Transfiguration celebrated in Russia?

A: The Feast of the Transfiguration is celebrated with church services and the reading of the Gospel account of the transfiguration of Jesus Christ on Mount Tabor. In some parts of Russia, it is traditional to bless grapes on this day, as a symbol of the abundance of God’s blessings.