Church holidays in December 2022

In the last month of the year, people prepare for the New Year. And believers even before that manage to celebrate many church holidays. Let’s talk about them and how to behave on memorable dates.

Calendar of church holidays in December

1 December 

Memorial Day of the Holy Martyr Roman, Deacon of Caesarea, and Martyr the Servant Varulus

On the first day of winter, believers remember the martyrs Romanos of Caesarea and the youth Varulus, who suffered while preaching Christianity during the reign of Asklipiades. They did not renounce their faith either during cruel tortures or before death.

Memorial Day of the Martyrs Zacchaeus, Deacon of Gadarene, and Alpheus, Reader of Caesarea

The saints lived during the reign of Emperor Diocletian, who was known for his persecution of Christians. The martyrs openly preached Christianity, for which they were tortured and then beheaded.

Memorial Day of the Martyr Platon of Ancyra 

On the first day of December, the Orthodox commemorate Platon of Ancyra. From a young age he preached the Word of God to the pagans. He was subjected to cruel torment, and for refusing to recognize Apollo as a god, he was executed.  

2 December

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

Celebration in honor of the icon of the Theotokos “Consolation in Sorrows and Sorrows”, located in the St. Petersburg Nikolo-Bogoyavlensky Naval Cathedral. The icon is revered as miraculous.

Memorial Day of the Prophet Obadiah

Christians revere the holy prophet Obadiah, who was known for his sensitive attitude towards others. According to church history, he provided shelter and food for the persecuted. 

Memorial Day of the Martyr Varlaam

Varlaam fell victim to the regime of the Roman ruler Diocletian. During the persecution of Christians, he, already an old man, was seized by order of the emperor. Not wanting to renounce his faith, Varlaam held a red-hot censer until his fingers burned on his hand.

3 December

Memorial Day of St. Gregory Dekapolit

On December 3, believers honor the memory of St. Gregory, who traveled the world, preaching the Word of God and strengthening the faith of the Orthodox. 

Memorial Day of St. Proclus, Archbishop of Constantinople

On this day they commemorate Saint Proclus, who was a disciple of John Chrysostom. During the service of a prayer service to them, the Trisagion prayer was opened, which is still used in the Church.

4 December

Introduction to the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary 

On this day, the righteous Joachim and Anna brought their daughter to the temple for the first time. Three-year-old Mary was given to God, according to a vow. The future Mother of God remained in the church, where she lived until a fictitious marriage with the carpenter Joseph. 

5 December

Memorial Day of the Holy Right-believing Prince Mikhail of Tver

Mikhail Yaroslavich ruled in the Tver principality, he did not have time to accept the great reign. He voluntarily sacrificed himself to Khan Uzbek in order to prevent the bloodshed of the soldiers in a possible battle with the Horde.

Memorial Day of Philemon and Archippus and the Martyr Apphia

The saints made a prayer house out of their dwelling, where believers could calmly turn to God, receive shelter and help if necessary. The family was martyred during a pagan holiday, because they performed worship in a Christian church, renouncing the worship of idols. 

Memorial Day of the Blessed Prince Peter of Vladimir-Volynsky

Commemoration of the blessed Prince Yaropolk (after baptism they named Peter), who was the grandson of Yaroslav the Wise. According to legend, Peter was distinguished by a meek disposition and poverty. Thanks to his donations, the Kiev Caves Monastery was enriched. The prince was killed, probably on the “order” of the Rostislavich princes.

6 December

Memorial Day of the Blessed Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky

Saint Prince Alexander lived in a difficult time for Our Country. It is believed that through his efforts he managed to establish relations with the Golden Horde, and in its capital – Sarai – they established the diocese of the Orthodox Church.

Memorial Day of St. Amphilochius, Bishop of Iconium

On December 6, believers commemorate Amphilochius, one of the Fathers of the Church, the creator of the theological apology against the heresy of Macedonia.

Memorial Day of St. Mitrofan (in schema Macarius), Bishop of Voronezh

The Orthodox honor the memory of St. Mitrofan, who actively opposed the Old Believers. With his help, several churches were built in the Voronezh region.

7 December

Memorial Day of the Great Martyr Catherine

Saint Catherine denounced idolatry before Tsar Maximinus and 50 philosophers he had gathered. She converted many subjects of the sovereign to the Orthodox faith.

Memorial Day of the Holy Martyr Mercury of Smolensk

Martyr Mercury became famous for the expulsion of the Tatars from the Smolensk region. According to legend, having heard the voice of the Mother of God, the saint entered into a fight with the invaders. He single-handedly dealt with many enemies, thereby intimidating the rest.

8 December

Commemoration of the Feast of the Entry into the Church of the Most Holy Theotokos

The final day of the festivities dedicated to the Entry into the Temple of the Most Holy Theotokos.

Holy Hieromartyr Clement, Pope of Rome

Clement is a disciple of the Apostle Peter, ordained by him as a bishop. During his leadership of the church, he converted many pagans to Christianity.

Memorial Day of the Holy Hieromartyr Peter, Archbishop of Alexandria

Commemoration of St. Peter of Alexandria. The martyr secretly visited imprisoned Christians, supporting them and helping them as much as possible. Emperor Galerius sentenced him to death.

9 December

Memorial Day of St. Innocent, Bishop of Irkutsk

On this day, believers honor the memory of Innokenty 一, the first Bishop of Irkutsk. He was appointed head of the spiritual mission to Beijing, but the envoys were not accepted due to the change of the Chinese emperor.

Remembrance Day of the Monk Alipiy the Stylite

Christian ascetic, known for the gift of healing and prophecy. According to legend, Alipy, having seen the martyr Euphemia in a dream, founded a church in his native city of Adrianople. Also, thanks to the asceticism of the saint, male and female monasteries were formed nearby.  

Memorial Day of St. Gregory the Victorious

Saint Gregory was a military commander under the emperor Diocletian. Imbued with compassion for the persecuted believers, he decided to suffer for Christ himself. For renouncing idolatry, the martyr was tortured for a long time, and then beheaded. 

10 December

Celebration of the Icon of the Mother of God “The Sign”

Veneration of the Icon of the Mother of God “The Sign”, located in the St. Sophia Cathedral of Veliky Novgorod.

Memorial Day of the Holy Great Martyr Jacob the Persian

On December 10, believers remember the martyr Jacob. During a military campaign, the saint, frightened by the king’s disfavor, offered sacrifice to pagan idols. But he repented of this and publicly called himself a Christian. For such insolence, he was tortured and executed.

11 December

Memorial Day of the Holy Martyr and Confessor Stephen the New

St. Stephen performed a monastic feat in a cave, where the monks began to flock. Over time, male communities were formed here, and Stefan became abbot. 

Later, Stephen was imprisoned for his asceticism, where he was tortured to death.

Memorial Day of St. Theodore, Archbishop of Rostov

Commemoration of the founder and first hegumen of the Simonov Monastery Theodore of Rostov. Thanks to diligent service, he was ordained archbishop.

Memorial Day of the Martyr Irinarkh and with him the holy seven wives

At the beginning of his life, Irinarch was an ardent pagan, a persecutor of Christians. Once, seven women were brought to him for execution, having converted their husbands to Orthodoxy. Irinarch, seeing their steadfastness before torture, he himself believed in Christ. For this, the martyr, along with the women, was severely tortured and then executed.

12 December

Memorial Day of the Martyr Paramon and with him 370 martyrs

Paramon denounced Emperor Aquian for the persecution of Christians and the imprisonment of 370 Orthodox. For refusing to renounce the faith, the saint and other prisoners were severely tortured, after which they were all executed.

Memorial Day of St. Akaki of Sinai

The Monk Akakiy was a novice of a quick-tempered old man who constantly beat and scolded the young man. As a result of the beatings, the saint died. However, when the elder asked at his grave if the monk had died, he heard the answer that it was impossible to die with obedience. The miracle affected the elder: he changed and spent the end of his life in meekness, humility and prayer.   

Memorial Day of the Martyr Filumen of Ancyra

Honoring the memory of the martyr Filumen. He professed the Christian faith under the emperor Aurelian. For refusing to renounce his faith, he was subjected to painful tortures, from which he died.

13 December

Memorial Day of the Apostle Andrew the First-Called

On December 13, believers commemorate Andrew the First-Called, an apostle of 12. He openly preached Christianity, for which he was stoned many times, expelled from cities. 

By order of the Greek ruler, the saint was crucified on a cross, and his hands and feet were not nailed to the cross, but tied.

Memorial Day of St. Frumentius, Archbishop of India

The saint was the first bishop of the Abyssinian kingdom. He raised the son of the king of Aksum, who, having become emperor, made Christianity the state faith of the country.

14 December

Memorial Day of the Righteous Philaret the Merciful

Righteous Filaret became famous for his extraordinary generosity. The saint, despite the reproaches of his wife and daughter, gradually distributed all the property to those in need. According to legend, when Filaret’s family was in distress, everything distributed by the head of the family returned threefold.

Memorial Day of the Prophet Nahum

It is believed that the prophet Nahum predicted the death of the city of Nineveh, which he himself once postponed. He explained the prophecy by the fact that despite his intercession, lawlessness and idolatry in the city did not decrease, but, on the contrary, intensified. Nineveh was destroyed by a flood, and her treasures were burned and plundered.

15 December

Memorial Day of the Prophet Habakkuk

Commemoration of the prophet Habakkuk, who predicted to the Jews the birth of the Messiah, the destruction of Jerusalem and the captivity of Babylon.

Memorial Day of St. Athanasius, the recluse of the Caves

The Monk Athanasius died in the Kiev-Pechersk monastery after a long illness. However, on the day of the funeral, the brethren saw that the deceased had come to life. The saint called everyone to repentance and obedience, after which he closed himself in a cave for 12 years. Before his death, the ascetic gathered the brethren and repeated the previously spoken words.

Memorial Day of the Holy Martyr Myropia

According to church history, the saint treated the sick with the world from the relics of the martyr Hermione. Once she stole the remains of the pious warrior Isidore in order to bury them with honors. At the trial, the accused openly confessed her faith in Christ, for which she was tortured, as a result of which the martyr died.

16 December

Memorial Day of St. Savva Storozhevsky

On December 16, the Orthodox commemorate the Monk Savva, the founder of the Storozhevsky Monastery. Christians believe that the saint was endowed with the gift of wonderworking and clairvoyance.

Memorial Day of Prophet Zephaniah

The pious Zephaniah helped King Josiah eradicate idolatry and convert the Jews to Christianity. The prophet foretold a new life under the reign of God.

Memorial Day of St. John the Silent

Saint John spent more than 9 years in the wilderness, eating only herbs. Upon his return from hermitage, he strengthened the faith of the brethren of Saint Sava in the fight against heresy. 

17 December

Memorial Day of the Great Martyr Barbara and Martyr Juliana

Barbara was born into a wealthy pagan family. The father imprisoned his daughter in a castle so that she would not learn Christianity. However, this did not help: the girl was secretly baptized. Upon learning of this, Barbara’s father disowned his daughter. 

For refusing to worship idols, the martyr was tortured, but in the morning there was no trace of her wounds. The miracle impressed the Christian Juliana, and she volunteered to die for Christ together with the Monk Barbara.

Memorial Day of Saint John of Damascus

Saint John stood up for Orthodox icon veneration. For this, Emperor Leo the Isaurian slandered the saint, as a result of which John’s hand was cut off. The man prayed to the Mother of God, and, as the legend says, the hand was healed. John of Damascus wrote many church hymns and spiritual books.

Memorial Day of St. Gennady, Archbishop of Novgorod

Archbishop Gennady 一 is the creator of the complete set of Bible books in the Slavic language. The monk personally trained priests and deacons and organized schools for the clergy.

18 December

Memorial Day of St. Savva the Sanctified

Believers honor the memory of Saint Sava. The monk founded the Great Lavra and several monasteries. Traditions say that various miracles happened through his prayers: the sick recovered, it began to rain during a drought, and a spring gushed in the middle of the Lavra.

Memorial Day of Saint Gury, Archbishop of Kazan

In his youth, the saint managed the prince’s estate. After the saint was slandered, he was imprisoned in a log cabin dug in the ground for 2 years. After imprisonment, Gury went to the Joseph-Volokolamsk monastery, becoming a monk, and then a novice. Later he was elected archbishop of the Kazan diocese.

Memorial Day of Saints Karion and Zechariah

The Monk Karion lived in an Egyptian skete, leaving his wife and two children in the world. When famine broke out in Egypt, his wife brought him children. He took the boy Zakharia for himself, and left his daughter to his mother. None of the monastic brethren liked family ties, and the father and son were expelled from all communities. 

19 December

Memorial Day of St. Nicholas, Archbishop of the World of Lycia, Wonderworker (Nikola Winter)

December 19 is the day of the death of one of the most revered saints in the world, Nicholas the Wonderworker. It is believed that the power of the saint is almost unlimited and you can ask him for any help.

Memorial Day of Blessed Maxim, Metropolitan of Kyiv

The blessed one is famous for having established the rule of fasting. In addition to Great Lent, he established the Christmas, Assumption and Apostolic fasts, as well as fasting days: Wednesday and Friday. It is known that the Metropolitan worked for legal marriages.

20 December

Memorial Day of St. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan

After the death of another bishop of Mediolan, the inhabitants argued for a long time who to put in his place. The strife continued until a child called out that the new bishop was Ambrose. At the behest of the emperor, the saint became a bishop and, having donated all the property of the church, he began to lead an appropriately modest lifestyle. He composed the hymn “To you, God, we praise.”

Memorial Day of St. Nil Stolobensky

The Monk Nil lived for 13 years in Valdai, being in unceasing prayer. One day he heard a voice ordering him to go to the uninhabited island of Stolobnaya. 40 years after the death of the saint, the Nilo-Stolobenskaya Hermitage Monastery was erected on the island.

Celebration of the Seliger-Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God

Veneration of the Seliger-Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God, located in the Nile Desert.

21 December

Memorial Day of St. Patapius

The monk led an ascetic life in the desert, where believers came for his advice, for healing (it was believed that the saint had such a gift). Not wanting fame, Patapius went to Constantinople, setting up a cell for himself in the city wall. However, the flow of people overtook him there.

Memorial Day of St. Cyril of Chelmogorsky

Commemoration of Cyril of Chelmogorsky 一 the educator of the Chud. Until the age of 30, the monk labored and wandered through the deserts, after which he came to Mount Chelm. There also lived tribes of pagans belonging to the Chud people. Thanks to the meekness and sincere preaching of Cyril, the locals adopted Christianity.

Memorial Day of the Holy Martyr Anfisa

The martyr Anfisa was the wife of a Roman high-ranking official. She received baptism from Ambrose of Milan, refusing Arian baptism, for which she was burned.  

22 December

The Conception of the Righteous Anna of the Most Holy Theotokos

On this day, the Orthodox honor the parents of the Virgin, Anna and Joachim. The couple could not conceive a child for a long time. Then Joachim left for 40 days in the desert, and his wife Anna prayed for a child, promising to dedicate him to God. An angel appeared to her and announced the imminent birth of her daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Celebration of the Icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy”

The original image has been lost, but thousands of people in different parts of the world still come to the lists of the Unexpected Joy icon.

Memorial Day of the holy prophetess Anna, mother of the prophet Samuel

Anna and her husband could not conceive a child for a long time, because of this her husband took a second wife. The reverend prayed for the baby, promising to give the child to the service of God. Soon she had a son, the future prophet Samuel. When the boy grew up, Anna took him to church. After that, three more sons and two daughters were born to the saint.

23 December

Memorial Day of St. Joasaph, Bishop of Belgorod

Saint Joasaph for 9 years was the vicar of the Holy Trinity Lavra and the rector of the Mgarsky Transfiguration Monastery of the Savior. Later, the monk was appointed Bishop of Belgorod. It is believed that he had an extraordinary gift of clairvoyance.

Memorial Day of the Martyrs Mina, Hermogenes and Evgraf

The martyrs lived during the time of the persecution of Christians by Emperor Maximinus. Mina preached the faith in Alexandria, converting pagans to Christianity. For this, the emperor ordered Hermogenes to judge the saint. However, the latter, seeing Mina’s long-suffering, believed in God himself. Maximin executed Mina’s secretary, Evgraf, and after that the saints Hermogenes and Mina were beheaded.

Memorial Day of St. Thomas of Vifinsky

From a young age, St. Thomas lived in the Bithynian monastery. Years later, he became the abbot of the monastery on the river Sagaris. From there the saint withdrew into the wilderness, where he labored for many years. Possessed the gift of insight and healing. 

24 December 

Memorial Day of St. Daniel the Stylite

Until the age of 5, the monk grew up without a name, as his parents wanted their son to receive a name from God. As a 12-year-old boy, he entered a monastery and took monastic vows. He labored in the wilderness, where he erected a pillar, on which he spent 33 years. The sick and the destitute came to the pillar, the Monk Daniel did not refuse anyone to help.

Memorial Day of St. Nikon Sukhoi

The Monk Nikon served as a monk in the Caves Monastery. The Polovtsy, who attacked the monastery, took him prisoner. The saint refused his relatives who tried to ransom him, for which he was subjected to severe torture. A few years later, miraculously, in front of the torturers, the monk was transferred from captivity to the Church of the Most Holy Theotokos, where he was freed from the shackles of the brethren. 

Memorial Day of St. Luke, the New Stylite

Saint Luke was a Byzantine warrior. After the war, he became a monk, and after a while he ascended the pillar, taking food once every six days. Three years later, the monk went to another pillar, located in Chalcedon. At the same time, he walked with a stone in his mouth so as not to break the vow of silence. 

25 December 

Memorial Day of St. Spyridon of Trimifuntsky

Honoring the memory of St. Spyridon. He led a righteous life, for which he was awarded the gift of miracles: according to legend, Spiridon healed the sick, cast out demons, caused rain during a drought, and knew how to do much more. After the death of his wife, the monk became Bishop of Trimifunts.

Memorial Day of St. Ferapont of Monzen

The Monk Ferapont was known for miracles during his lifetime. Appearing in a dream to two monks, he ordered the foundation of a monastery on the banks of the Monza River. After his death, the saint appeared to the abbot of the Annunciation Monastery and predicted a great famine for him. 

Holy Martyr Alexander, Bishop of Jerusalem

On December 25, Christians commemorate Hieromartyr Alexander, Bishop of Jerusalem. The monk died in prison, where he ended up during the fight against God.

26 December

Memorial Day of the Martyrs Eustratius, Auxentius, Eugene, Mardarius and Orestes

The holy martyrs suffered under the emperor Diocletian. For the open confession of faith, they were tortured and died.

Memorial Day of St. Arkady Novotorzhsky

On December 26, believers also commemorate Blessed Arkady Novotorzhsky. From a young age, the monk led a pious lifestyle. Church history says that many miracles were performed through his prayers. He was tonsured a monk at the Borisoglebsky Monastery.

Memorial Day of the Monk Mardariy, the recluse of the Caves 

Honoring the memory of the Monk Mardariy. The saint labored in the Far Caves, where he was buried after his death.

27 December

Memorial Day of the Martyrs Firs, Leukias and Kallinikos

The holy martyrs suffered for their faith under Emperor Decius. They stood up for the persecuted Christians, and then openly professed religion. For this they were tortured and then killed.

Memorial Day of St. Hilarion, Metropolitan of Suzdal and Yuryevsky

On December 27, it is customary to commemorate Saint Hilarion. Known for the fact that 30 churches were built during his ministry. Also, the monk is one of the founders and first builders of the Florishchev Hermitage Monastery.

28 December

Holy Martyr Eleutherios, Bishop of Iliria

For virtues, he was appointed bishop at the age of 20. The open confession of Christianity brought upon the monk the wrath of Emperor Hadrian. The saint and his mother were tortured and beheaded.

Memorial Day of St. Paul of Latria

St. Paul strove for solitude all his life, went to pray in the most remote places. However, good fame constantly led people to the reverend. For spiritual exploits, the saint was awarded the gift of insight, miracle-working and healing.

Memorial Day of St. Stephen the Confessor, Archbishop of Sourozh

Stephen labored in the wilderness for 30 years. After he was appointed Bishop of Sourozh. During the reign of Emperor Leo III, the saint was arrested and tortured. Freed, Stefan returned to his flock in Sourozh, where he lived until the end of his days.

29 December

Memorial Day of the Prophet Haggai

Prophet Haggai was one of the 12 minor prophets. He urged the Jews to build a second Temple in Jerusalem, predicting its future glory. 

Memorial Day of St. Sophia, wife of Grand Duke Vasily III

Saint Sophia was the wife of Prince Vasily III. For 20 years of marriage, they had no children, so the prince decided to divorce, sending his wife to a monastery. After the death of the saint, various miracles and healings are performed at the grave.

Memorial Day of Blessed Empress Theophania

Saint Theophania amazed those around her with her mercy and unpretentiousness. The nun distributed all her property to those in need, she hardly ate or slept herself, devoting much time to prayer. This way of life led her to an illness from which the saint died.

30 December

Day of memory of the prophet Daniel and the three youths: Ananias, Azariah and Misail

The saints were taken captive as children at the behest of the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar. After the monks refused to pray, they bowed before the statue of the ruler and threw them into the fire. But, according to legend, the angel protected them, preventing the flame from rising. Seeing such a miracle, Nebuchadnezzar himself believed in God, and made the young men his close associates.

31 December

Memorial Day of the Martyrs Sebastian and his squad

Sebastian was the head of the guard under the emperors Maximian and Diocletian. Two of his friends were sentenced to death for their Christian faith. They almost succumbed to the persuasion of their relatives to renounce God, but Sebastian dissuaded them from this. Thus, he revealed his religion. For this he was executed.

Glorification of Righteous Simeon of Verkhoturye

On the last day of December, believers honor the memory of Righteous Simeon of Verkhoturye. The monk was a nobleman, but he hid his position from everyone. By the providence of God, he went to Siberia and lived as a simple wanderer. According to beliefs, after death, the righteous appeared to many people and healed them.

Popular questions and answers

There are many memorable dates in the Orthodox calendar, it is difficult to remember everything. We answer the most popular questions.