The descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles fifty days after Pascha, marking the full revelation of the Holy Trinity and the beginning of the Church's mission in the world. During Vespers, special kneeling prayers are offered and the church is adorned with greenery. This feast celebrates the completion of Christ's saving work and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon all believers. From this day forward, the Sundays of the year are numbered from Pentecost, signifying the continual life and growth of the Church in the grace of the Spirit.

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.

Brief prayer services traditionally celebrated at specific times of day: First Hour (6 AM), Third Hour (9 AM), Sixth Hour (noon), and Ninth Hour (3 PM). Each Hour includes psalms, troparia, and prayers appropriate to that time of day. These services sanctify the day and connect us to Christ's Passion, as they commemorate specific moments in His crucifixion and death.

The commemoration of the Archangel Michael and all the bodiless powers (angels) on November 8th. This feast celebrates the angelic hierarchy and Michael's role as leader of God's army against evil. Orthodox tradition honors angels as God's messengers and guardians, with Michael being especially venerated as protector of the Church and individual Christians.

The evening prayer service of the Orthodox Church, traditionally celebrated at sunset. Vespers includes psalms, hymns, scripture readings, and incense. On Saturday evenings, Great Vespers is often combined with the Sunday Divine Liturgy. The service marks the end of the liturgical day and prepares the faithful for rest and reflection.

The commemoration of the Virgin Mary's miraculous appearance in Constantinople, when she spread her veil over the praying Christians to protect them from enemies. Celebrated on October 1st, this feast is especially beloved in Slavic Orthodox churches. It emphasizes the Theotokos's continuing intercession and protection of the faithful.

This weekly online class exploring the depth and breadth of the Orthodox Christian faith. Topics include Church history, theology, liturgy, asceticism, Scripture, philosophy, ethics, science and religion, and more. Classes meet Wednesdays at 7:00pm via Zoom and are open to all seekers of deeper understanding.

The sacrament of initiation into the Orthodox Church, through which a person is united with Christ in His death and resurrection. The baptismal candidate is immersed three times in water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, dying to sin and rising to new life in Christ. Baptism cleanses from original sin, grants adoption as God's child, and makes the person a member of the Body of Christ. In Orthodox practice, baptism is immediately followed by chrismation and first communion.

The sacrament of reconciliation through which the faithful confess their sins to a priest and receive absolution. Also called the sacrament of repentance or penance, confession restores the baptismal purity lost through sin and reconciles the penitent with God and the Church. The penitent stands before an icon of Christ while confessing to the priest, who acts as a witness and minister of God's forgiveness. The priest then covers the penitent's head with his epitrachelion (stole) and pronounces the prayer of absolution.

The missionary bishop who translated the liturgy and scriptures into native Alaskan languages. Celebrated on March 31st, Innocent (John Veniaminov) served as a priest and later bishop in Alaska and Siberia. He learned multiple native languages and created alphabets for languages that had none, earning him the title 'Apostle to America.'

A devotional service of praise consisting of hymns sung while standing ("akathist" means "not sitting"). The most famous is the Akathist to the Theotokos, traditionally sung during the fifth Friday of Great Lent. Akathists can honor Christ, the Theotokos, or various saints. These services are deeply moving expressions of Orthodox hymnography and devotion.

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.

The spiritual fathers of Optina Monastery who renewed Russian monasticism and spiritual direction. Celebrated on October 11th, these elders (including Sts. Moses, Anthony, Hilarion, Macarius, and Ambrose) guided thousands of pilgrims from all walks of life. Writers like Dostoevsky and Tolstoy sought their counsel. They represent the flowering of Orthodox spiritual guidance in 19th century Russia.

The physician and evangelist who wrote the Gospel of Luke and Acts of the Apostles. Celebrated on October 18th, Luke was a companion of Paul and is patron of doctors and artists. His Gospel emphasizes Christ's compassion for the poor and outcast. He's traditionally credited with painting the first icon of the Theotokos.

The first Bishop of Jerusalem and author of the Epistle of James, called 'the Just' for his righteousness. Celebrated on October 23rd, James was a 'brother' (relative) of Jesus who became leader of the Jerusalem church after Christ's ascension. He was martyred by being thrown from the Temple. He represents Jewish Christianity and the transition from Judaism to the Church.

A miraculous icon of the Theotokos known for comforting the afflicted and healing the sick. Celebrated on November 6th, this icon shows the Virgin Mary surrounded by angels distributing aid to various people in distress. Many miracles have been attributed to prayer before this icon, especially healing from illness and comfort in grief.

The soldier-saint of Thessalonica, martyred under Galerius around 306 AD. Celebrated on October 26th, Demetrius is patron of Thessalonica and soldiers. Myrrh flows from his relics, earning him the title 'Myrrh-Streamer.' He represents faithfulness unto death and divine protection of Christian communities.

A service of remembrance for the departed, asking for God's mercy on their souls and offering prayers for their eternal rest. Often called Panikhida in Slavic traditions, these services may be held at funerals, on memorial days, or on the anniversary of death. The service expresses the Orthodox belief in the communion of saints and our ongoing prayer relationship with the departed.

The first priest martyred by the Bolsheviks, shot while returning from church in 1917. Celebrated on October 31st, John served parishes in America before returning to Russia where he was killed for his faith. He was the first of thousands of clergy martyred during Communist persecution and represents the beginning of the New Martyrs period.

The brother physicians who provided free medical care and were martyred under Diocletian. Celebrated on November 1st, these 'Unmercenary Healers' treated both physical and spiritual ailments without accepting payment. They are patron saints of physicians and pharmacists. Their example shows how professional skills can be a form of Christian ministry and service.