ORTHODOX LITURGICAL CALENDAR

2008 ORTHODOX LITURGICAL CALENDAR

2008 2009 2110 2111 2012

Lent (Forgiveness Sunday) March 9 March 1 February 14 March 6 February 26

Holy Pascha April 27 April 19 April 4 April 24 April 15

Ascension June 5 May 28 May 13 June 2 May 24

Pentecost June 15 June 7 May 23 June 12 June 3

(Western) Easter March 23 April 12 April 4 April 24 April 8

2008 FASTING DISCIPLINE

Fasting Seasons Great Lent and Holy Week March 10 – April 26

Apostles Fast (Ss. Peter and Paul) June 23 – June 28

Dormition Fast August 1 – August 14

Nativity Fast (Advent) November 15 – December 24

Fast-Free Weeks Post-Feast of the Nativity of our Lord December 26 – January 4

Week of the Publican and the Pharisee February 17 – February 23

Bright Week (Following Holy Pascha) April 28 – May 3

Trinity Week (Following Pentecost) June 15 – June 21

Days of Fasting All Wednesdays and Fridays except when noted above

Eve of Theophany (Strict Fast) January 5

Beheading of St. John (Strict Fast) August 29

Elevation of the Precious Cross (Strict Fast) September 14

Eve of the Nativity of our Lord (Strict Fast) December 24

2008 GENERAL MEMORIAL SERVICES FOR THE DEPARTED

Saturday in the Week of Meatfare March 1

Second – Third – Fourth Saturdays of Lent March 22, March 29, April 5

Greatmartyr Demetrius the Myrrhgusher October 25

2008 DATES WHEN WEDDINGS ARE NOT TO BE CELEBRATED

(…unless a special dispensation is granted by the diocesan hierarch at the request of the parish priest)

· On the eves of Wednesdays and Fridays throughout the year (i.e. Tuesday and Thursday evenings)

· On the eves of Sundays throughout the year (i.e. Saturday evenings)

· On the eves of Holydays commemorated in the parish

· In all the fasting seasons as noted above

· From the Nativity of Christ (December 25) through the Second Day of Theophany (January 7)

· During the Week of Cheesefare (March 2 - March 8)

· During Bright Week (April 27 – May 3)

· On the eve and day of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist (August 29)

· On the eve and day of the Elevation (Exaltation) of the Precious Cross of Christ (September 14)

The SCHEDULING OF WEDDING SACRAMENTALS should be finalized before any other nuptial planning is done! Wedding ceremonies performed outside the Orthodox Faith are not recognized as valid Orthodox Christian unions. Suspension from the Holy Sacraments as well as loss of other privileges of parish membership are automatic in such instances until “normalized” in the Holy Orthodox Church with the local parish priest.

· While the guidelines for Orthodox Christian fasting and participation in the Holy Mysteries (Sacraments) should be taken seriously, they are not to be interpreted with “dour and pedantic legalism.” It is the prerogative of the local bishop to grant dispensation concerning these guidelines if so recommended by the local parish priest.

· Individuals under the care of a physician need to discuss their fasting regimen with Fr. Bill who, as your spiritual father, will give private guidance to mitigate the fasting regimen as necessary.

· Any parish member or parish organization using the parish’s facilities must follow the fasting guidelines established by the Holy Orthodox Faith when serving food or drink.

~ Questions? Please contact Fr. Bill directly! ~

Welcome To The Holy Ghost Orthodox Church

Welcome To The
Holy Ghost Orthodox Church