Celebrates the visit of the wise men (the magi) to the infant Jesus. In
the East, where it originated, the Epiphany celebrates the baptism of Jesus
by John the Baptist in the River Jordan. (Catholics and Episcopalians
celebrate this separately: see Baptism of the Lord) Also known as Dia de los
Reyes (Three Kings Day).
Most Orthodox churches use the Julian rather than the Gregorian version
of the Western calendar. As a result, they celebrate Christmas 13 days later
than other Christian churches.
Epiphany takes place on the 6th of January, but most Christians celebrate
it on the first Sunday after that date.
Baptism of the Lord
Commemorates the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan by John the
Baptist. Occurs on the first Sunday after Epiphany. Catholics and
Episcopalians celebrate this holy day, but Eastern Christianity celebrates
the baptism of Jesus at Epiphany.
Wednesday 13 January
St Hilary's Day
According to tradition, "St. Hilary's is the coldest day of the
year." St. Hilary was a fourth century Bishop of Poitiers.
First celebrated in 1908. The days of 18-25 January (regardless of the
days of the week involved) were originally chosen because they covered the
days between the feast of St Peter and the feast of St Paul. Some churches
and regions use a different week.
This is often called The Presentation of Christ in the Temple and
commemorates the day Mary took Jesus to the Temple at Jerusalem to present
him to God. Coincides with Groundhog Day (USA)
Thursday 11 February
Our Lady of Lourdes
Marks the day in 1858 when St Bernadette had her first vision of the
Blessed Virgin Mary.
Also called Pancake Day and Mardi Gras. The British name of "Pancake
Day" comes from the tradition of making pancakes to use up all the food
that could not be eaten during Lent.
Saint David, or Dewi Sant as he's called in the Welsh language, is the
patron saint of Wales.
Friday 5 March
St Piran's Day
Piran is regarded as the patron saint of Cornwall and tin miners. He was
born in Ireland. The Cornish flag may have been inspired by the legend that
Piran discovered the process for smelting tin: black rock with a white cross
of pure metal.
Women's World Day of Prayer
This dates from 1887 and is celebrated on the first Friday of March
Marks the angel Gabriel's message to the Virgin Mary that she would give
birth to the incarnation of Christ. It also celebrates the incarnation
itself as the date falls 9 months before Christmas.
Christians remember Maundy Thursday as the day of the Last Supper, when
Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and established the ceremony known as
the Eucharist.
Christians celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ - his return from
death after the Crucifixion. The most important Christian festival. Most
years Orthodox Christians celebrate Easter on a different date.
Ascension Day marks the last earthly appearance of Christ after his
resurrection. Christians believe Christ ascended into heaven. It is
celebrated 40 days after Easter.
Swithin (or Swithun) was a Saxon bishop in the 9th century. Legend has it
that the weather on his feast day, 15 July, will determine the weather for
the next 40 days.
Friday 6 August
Transfiguration
Orthodox Christian feast commemorating the sudden emanation of radiance
from the person of Jesus that occurred on the mountain.
Sunday 15 August
Dormition of the Theotokos
An Orthodox festival that commemorates the death, resurrection, and
glorification of Christ's mother. Dormition means "falling
asleep".
Edward the Confessor was King of England 1042 - 1066. He built
Westminster Abbey where there is a shrine to him - and where the saint is
also celebrated on January 5 each year, the anniversary of his death.
The night before All Saints' Day (All Hallows' Day). Its origins date
back over 2000 years to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. It was
celebrated as a Christian festival by the 8th Century.
All Saints' Day (also known as All Hallows' Day or Hallowmas) is when
Anglicans and Roman Catholics honour all saints, known and unknown, of the
Christian church. Orthodox churches celebrate it on the first Sunday after
Pentecost.
All Souls' Day is an opportunity for Roman Catholic and Anglo-Catholic
churches to commemorate the faithful departed. They remember and pray for
the souls of people who are in Purgatory. All Souls' Day is celebrated on 3
November if the 2nd is a Sunday.
Sunday 28 November
Advent Sunday
The beginning of the ecclesiastical year on the Sunday closest to
November 30. Advent is the season before Christmas - In Western Christendom,
four Sundays are included. In Eastern Christendom, the season is longer and
begins in the middle of November
Saint Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland, Greece and Russia. The flag
of Scotland is the Cross of St. Andrew. St Andrew, the brother of Simon
Peter, was originally a fisherman and became the first Apostle.
Celebrates the visit of the wise men (the magi) to the infant Jesus. In
the East, where it originated, the Epiphany celebrates the baptism of Jesus
by John the Baptist in the River Jordan. (Catholics and Episcopalians
celebrate this separately: see Baptism of the Lord) Also known as Dia de los
Reyes (Three Kings Day).
Most Orthodox churches use the Julian rather than the Gregorian version
of the Western calendar. As a result, they celebrate Christmas 13 days later
than other Christian churches.
Epiphany takes place on the 6th of January, but most Christians celebrate
it on the first Sunday after that date.
Baptism of the Lord
Commemorates the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan by John the
Baptist. Occurs on the first Sunday after Epiphany. Catholics and
Episcopalians celebrate this holy day, but Eastern Christianity celebrates
the baptism of Jesus at Epiphany.
Thursday 13 January
St Hilary's Day
According to tradition, "St. Hilary's is the coldest day of the
year." St. Hilary was a fourth century Bishop of Poitiers.
First celebrated in 1908. The days of 18-25 January (regardless of the
days of the week involved) were originally chosen because they covered the
days between the feast of St Peter and the feast of St Paul. Some churches
and regions use a different week.
This is often called The Presentation of Christ in the Temple and
commemorates the day Mary took Jesus to the Temple at Jerusalem to present
him to God. Coincides with Groundhog Day (USA)
Friday 11 February
Our Lady of Lourdes
Marks the day in 1858 when St Bernadette had her first vision of the
Blessed Virgin Mary.
Saint David, or Dewi Sant as he's called in the Welsh language, is the
patron saint of Wales.
Saturday 5 March
St Piran's Day
Piran is regarded as the patron saint of Cornwall and tin miners. He was
born in Ireland. The Cornish flag may have been inspired by the legend that
Piran discovered the process for smelting tin: black rock with a white cross
of pure metal.
Monday 7 March
Clean Monday - Beginning of Lent (Orthodox)
The start of the "Great Lent" for Orthodox Christians. This day
is called Clean Monday, and occurs seven weeks before the Orthodox Easter
Also called Pancake Day and Mardi Gras. The British name of "Pancake
Day" comes from the tradition of making pancakes to use up all the food
that could not be eaten during Lent.
Marks the angel Gabriel's message to the Virgin Mary that she would give
birth to the incarnation of Christ. It also celebrates the incarnation
itself as the date falls 9 months before Christmas.
Christians remember Maundy Thursday as the day of the Last Supper, when
Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and established the ceremony known as
the Eucharist.
Christians celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ - his return from
death after the Crucifixion. The most important Christian festival. Most
years Orthodox Christians celebrate Easter on a different date.
Ascension Day marks the last earthly appearance of Christ after his
resurrection. Christians believe Christ ascended into heaven. It is
celebrated 40 days after Easter.
Swithin (or Swithun) was a Saxon bishop in the 9th century. Legend has it
that the weather on his feast day, 15 July, will determine the weather for
the next 40 days.
Saturday 6 August
Transfiguration
Orthodox Christian feast commemorating the sudden emanation of radiance
from the person of Jesus that occurred on the mountain.
Monday 15 August
Dormition of the Theotokos
An Orthodox festival that commemorates the death, resurrection, and
glorification of Christ's mother. Dormition means "falling
asleep".
Edward the Confessor was King of England 1042 - 1066. He built
Westminster Abbey where there is a shrine to him - and where the saint is
also celebrated on January 5 each year, the anniversary of his death.
The night before All Saints' Day (All Hallows' Day). Its origins date
back over 2000 years to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. It was
celebrated as a Christian festival by the 8th Century.
All Saints' Day (also known as All Hallows' Day or Hallowmas) is when
Anglicans and Roman Catholics honour all saints, known and unknown, of the
Christian church. Orthodox churches celebrate it on the first Sunday after
Pentecost.
All Souls' Day is an opportunity for Roman Catholic and Anglo-Catholic
churches to commemorate the faithful departed. They remember and pray for
the souls of people who are in Purgatory. All Souls' Day is celebrated on 3
November if the 2nd is a Sunday.
Sunday 27 November
Advent Sunday
The beginning of the ecclesiastical year on the Sunday closest to
November 30. Advent is the season before Christmas - In Western Christendom,
four Sundays are included. In Eastern Christendom, the season is longer and
begins in the middle of November
Saint Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland, Greece and Russia. The flag
of Scotland is the Cross of St. Andrew. St Andrew, the brother of Simon
Peter, was originally a fisherman and became the first Apostle.
Celebrates the visit of the wise men (the magi) to the infant Jesus. In
the East, where it originated, the Epiphany celebrates the baptism of Jesus
by John the Baptist in the River Jordan. (Catholics and Episcopalians
celebrate this separately: see Baptism of the Lord) Also known as Dia de los
Reyes (Three Kings Day).
Most Orthodox churches use the Julian rather than the Gregorian version
of the Western calendar. As a result, they celebrate Christmas 13 days later
than other Christian churches.
Epiphany takes place on the 6th of January, but most Christians celebrate
it on the first Sunday after that date.
Baptism of the Lord
Commemorates the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan by John the
Baptist. Occurs on the first Sunday after Epiphany. Catholics and
Episcopalians celebrate this holy day, but Eastern Christianity celebrates
the baptism of Jesus at Epiphany.
Friday 13 January
St Hilary's Day
According to tradition, "St. Hilary's is the coldest day of the
year." St. Hilary was a fourth century Bishop of Poitiers.
First celebrated in 1908. The days of 18-25 January (regardless of the
days of the week involved) were originally chosen because they covered the
days between the feast of St Peter and the feast of St Paul. Some churches
and regions use a different week.
This is often called The Presentation of Christ in the Temple and
commemorates the day Mary took Jesus to the Temple at Jerusalem to present
him to God. Coincides with Groundhog Day (USA)
Saturday 11 February
Our Lady of Lourdes
Marks the day in 1858 when St Bernadette had her first vision of the
Blessed Virgin Mary.
Also called Pancake Day and Mardi Gras. The British name of "Pancake
Day" comes from the tradition of making pancakes to use up all the food
that could not be eaten during Lent.
Saint David, or Dewi Sant as he's called in the Welsh language, is the
patron saint of Wales.
Monday 5 March
St Piran's Day
Piran is regarded as the patron saint of Cornwall and tin miners. He was
born in Ireland. The Cornish flag may have been inspired by the legend that
Piran discovered the process for smelting tin: black rock with a white cross
of pure metal.
Marks the angel Gabriel's message to the Virgin Mary that she would give
birth to the incarnation of Christ. It also celebrates the incarnation
itself as the date falls 9 months before Christmas.
Christians remember Maundy Thursday as the day of the Last Supper, when
Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and established the ceremony known as
the Eucharist.
Christians celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ - his return from
death after the Crucifixion. The most important Christian festival. Most
years Orthodox Christians celebrate Easter on a different date.
Ascension Day marks the last earthly appearance of Christ after his
resurrection. Christians believe Christ ascended into heaven. It is
celebrated 40 days after Easter.
Swithin (or Swithun) was a Saxon bishop in the 9th century. Legend has it
that the weather on his feast day, 15 July, will determine the weather for
the next 40 days.
Monday 6 August
Transfiguration
Orthodox Christian feast commemorating the sudden emanation of radiance
from the person of Jesus that occurred on the mountain.
Edward the Confessor was King of England 1042 - 1066. He built
Westminster Abbey where there is a shrine to him - and where the saint is
also celebrated on January 5 each year, the anniversary of his death.
The night before All Saints' Day (All Hallows' Day). Its origins date
back over 2000 years to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. It was
celebrated as a Christian festival by the 8th Century.
All Saints' Day (also known as All Hallows' Day or Hallowmas) is when
Anglicans and Roman Catholics honour all saints, known and unknown, of the
Christian church. Orthodox churches celebrate it on the first Sunday after
Pentecost.
All Souls' Day is an opportunity for Roman Catholic and Anglo-Catholic
churches to commemorate the faithful departed. They remember and pray for
the souls of people who are in Purgatory. All Souls' Day is celebrated on 3
November if the 2nd is a Sunday.
Saint Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland, Greece and Russia. The flag
of Scotland is the Cross of St. Andrew. St Andrew, the brother of Simon
Peter, was originally a fisherman and became the first Apostle.
Sunday 2 December
Advent Sunday
The beginning of the ecclesiastical year on the Sunday closest to
November 30. Advent is the season before Christmas - In Western Christendom,
four Sundays are included. In Eastern Christendom, the season is longer and
begins in the middle of November
Celebrates the visit of the wise men (the magi) to the infant Jesus. In
the East, where it originated, the Epiphany celebrates the baptism of Jesus
by John the Baptist in the River Jordan. (Catholics and Episcopalians
celebrate this separately: see Baptism of the Lord) Also known as Dia de los
Reyes (Three Kings Day).
Christmas Day (Armenian Orthodox)
Armenian Christians celebrate Christ's birth at Epiphany, except for
Armenians in the Holy Land, who celebrate Christmas on January 19th.
Theophany
Orthodox churches mark the baptism of Jesus on this day.
Most Orthodox churches use the Julian rather than the Gregorian version
of the Western calendar. As a result, they celebrate Christmas 13 days later
than other Christian churches.
Sunday 13 January
St Hilary's Day
According to tradition, "St. Hilary's is the coldest day of the
year." St. Hilary was a fourth century Bishop of Poitiers.
Baptism of the Lord
Commemorates the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan by John the
Baptist. Occurs on the first Sunday after Epiphany. Catholics and
Episcopalians celebrate this holy day, but Eastern Christianity celebrates
the baptism of Jesus at Epiphany.
First celebrated in 1908. The days of 18-25 January (regardless of the
days of the week involved) were originally chosen because they covered the
days between the feast of St Peter and the feast of St Paul. Some churches
and regions use a different week.
This is often called The Presentation of Christ in the Temple and
commemorates the day Mary took Jesus to the Temple at Jerusalem to present
him to God. Coincides with Groundhog Day (USA)
Monday 11 February
Our Lady of Lourdes
Marks the day in 1858 when St Bernadette had her first vision of the
Blessed Virgin Mary.
Also called Pancake Day and Mardi Gras. The British name of "Pancake
Day" comes from the tradition of making pancakes to use up all the food
that could not be eaten during Lent.
Saint David, or Dewi Sant as he's called in the Welsh language, is the
patron saint of Wales.
Tuesday 5 March
St Piran's Day
Piran is regarded as the patron saint of Cornwall and tin miners. He was
born in Ireland. The Cornish flag may have been inspired by the legend that
Piran discovered the process for smelting tin: black rock with a white cross
of pure metal.
Marks the angel Gabriel's message to the Virgin Mary that she would give
birth to the incarnation of Christ. It also celebrates the incarnation
itself as the date falls 9 months before Christmas.
Christians remember Maundy Thursday as the day of the Last Supper, when
Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and established the ceremony known as
the Eucharist.
Christians celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ - his return from
death after the Crucifixion. The most important Christian festival. Most
years Orthodox Christians celebrate Easter on a different date.
Ascension Day marks the last earthly appearance of Christ after his
resurrection. Christians believe Christ ascended into heaven. It is
celebrated 40 days after Easter.
Swithin (or Swithun) was a Saxon bishop in the 9th century. Legend has it
that the weather on his feast day, 15 July, will determine the weather for
the next 40 days.
Tuesday 6 August
Transfiguration
Orthodox Christian feast commemorating the sudden emanation of radiance
from the person of Jesus that occurred on the mountain.
Edward the Confessor was King of England 1042 - 1066. He built
Westminster Abbey where there is a shrine to him - and where the saint is
also celebrated on January 5 each year, the anniversary of his death.
The night before All Saints' Day (All Hallows' Day). Its origins date
back over 2000 years to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. It was
celebrated as a Christian festival by the 8th Century.
All Saints' Day (also known as All Hallows' Day or Hallowmas) is when
Anglicans and Roman Catholics honour all saints, known and unknown, of the
Christian church. Orthodox churches celebrate it on the first Sunday after
Pentecost.
All Souls' Day is an opportunity for Roman Catholic and Anglo-Catholic
churches to commemorate the faithful departed. They remember and pray for
the souls of people who are in Purgatory. All Souls' Day is celebrated on 3
November if the 2nd is a Sunday.
Saint Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland, Greece and Russia. The flag
of Scotland is the Cross of St. Andrew. St Andrew, the brother of Simon
Peter, was originally a fisherman and became the first Apostle.
Sunday 1 December
Advent Sunday
The beginning of the ecclesiastical year on the Sunday closest to
November 30. Advent is the season before Christmas - In Western Christendom,
four Sundays are included. In Eastern Christendom, the season is longer and
begins in the middle of November
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The Rev. Charles P. Henderson is a Presbyterian minister and
Executive Director of CrossCurrents.
He is the author of God and Science (John Knox Press, 1986).
A revised and expanded version of the book is appearing here. God and Science (Hypertext Edition,
2005).
He is also editor of a new book, featuring articles by world class scientists and theologians, and illustrating the leading views on the relationship between science and religion: Faith, Science and the Future (CrossCurrents Press, 2007).
Charles also tracks the boundry between the virtual and the real at his blog: Next World Design, focusing on the mediation of art, science and spirituality in the metaverse.
