Church holidays in January 2023

The history of solemn dates in the Orthodox calendar dates back to the Old Testament times. Each of the holidays is dedicated to the memory of important events that took place in the life of the Mother of God, Jesus Christ and the ascetics for the faith. Find out what church holidays the Orthodox celebrate in January, and how to behave on solemn days.

Calendar of church holidays in January

1 January

Memorial Day of St. Elijah of Muromets

The epic hero spent his life in campaigns and battles, and then took monastic tonsure to atone for his sins. The legendary hero died in 1188, the relics of the saint rest in Kyiv.

Memorial Day of the Holy Martyr Boniface

The Roman slave and cohabitant of rich Aglaida, understanding his sins, prayed to God to accept him and arrange death in agony. According to legend, when the unfortunate head was cut off in 290, blood and milk flowed from the wounds. Many pagans, having seen a miracle, accepted the Christian faith.

Memorial Day of Hieromartyr Hypatius of the Caves

The saint was remembered for his intercession and treatment of the sick in the 1240s, when the troops of Batu came to Our Country. Ipatiy had the gift of a healer, he lived modestly, taking care of the food and health of other people. His relics rest in the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra in the Feodosiev caves. 

Memorial Day of St. Joseph the Painful

Joseph is known for making a vow – if he recovers, he will forever connect his life with Jesus Christ. God heard the prayer, and after recovering, Joseph became a monk.

2 January

Memorial Day of Saint Righteous John of Kronstadt

The parish clergyman defended people in every possible way in the years before the storm, when a revolution was approaching Our Country. John promised to give his all to the faith, fulfilled his vow and was canonized as a saint in 1990.

Memorial Day of Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-bearer

Ignatius died around 110, being thrown to the lions by the Roman emperor Trajan. His fate was terrible, but the Christian did not abandon his faith.

3 January

Memorial Day of St. Peter, Metropolitan of Moscow, Wonderworker of All Our Country 

Peter in his youth was tonsured a monk of the monastery. In 1325, a year before his death, he transferred the metropolitan see to Moscow. The respected saint was buried in a stone coffin in the Assumption Cathedral, on the territory of the Kremlin, in the very heart of Moscow.  

Memorial Day of the Martyr Blessed Princess Juliana of Vyazemskaya and Novotorzhskaya and the Holy Martyr Juliana of Nicomedia

The wife of Prince Vyazemsky Simeon Mstislavovich became a model of marital fidelity. The family was expelled from their native land. Prince Simeon was killed, and they tried to persuade his wife to commit adultery. The indignant princess hit the rapist with a knife. He, angry, ordered the execution of Juliana.

4 January

Memorial Day of the Holy Great Martyr Anastasia the Destroyer

The patroness of pregnant women, mothers and an assistant to prisoners lived in Rome in the 120th century. After the death of her mother, she was given in marriage to a pagan. But Anastasia kept faith in God and avoided marital contact. As a result, Anastasia was imprisoned with another XNUMX Christians on a ship with a broken bottom. People were doomed, however, according to church history, they were saved by St. Theodotia, turning the ship to the shore. 

5 January

Commemoration of the ten holy martyrs of Crete: Theodulus, Satorninus, Euporus, Gelasius, Evnikian, Zotikos, Pompius, Agathopus, Basilides and Evarest

Ten Christians suffered for their faith at a time when the Cretan Church was severely persecuted. By the will of the pagan emperor, believers were tortured and then executed.

6 January

Christmas eve

According to Christian tradition, on the eve of Christmas, a solemn liturgy and blessing of water are held. 

Memorial Day of the Monk Martyr Eugenia and with her the Martyrs Prot, Iakinf and Claudia

A beautiful Roman woman from a prosperous family lived with her father in Alexandria. She was destined for the fate of most women of that time, but Eugenia did not want to get married and went to the monastery, disguised as a young man. In the end, the Christian was condemned to death. But a miracle happened: fire and water spared the woman. Then they cut off her head.

Memorial Day of St. Nicholas

From 802 to 811, Nicholas was a military leader under the Byzantine emperor Nicephorus. After the war with the Bulgarians, he took the veil as a monk and prayed to God until the end of his life. It is believed that as a reward, the champion of the faith is awarded the gift of clairvoyance.

7 January

Nativity

The Great Feast, which is preceded by a 40-day fast and “week of the fathers”, celebrates the appearance of Jesus Christ. From this day begins the countdown of the unusual life of the son of God, who showed a merciful will and took upon himself all the sins of people who lived before him and after him. 

8 January

Cathedral of the Most Holy Theotokos

On the day that follows Christmas, believers honor the Most Holy Theotokos, who conceived innocently and gave birth to Jesus Christ.

Holy Martyr Euthymius, Bishop of Sardis

During the reign of Constantine Porphyrogenitus (780-797) and Empress Irina (797-802), Euthymius was a bishop. He took part in the VII Ecumenical Council. After that, he fell into disgrace: he was severely beaten by the emperor Theophilus, after which Euthymius died.

9 January

Commemoration of the First Martyr Apostle from 70 Stephen

He held the rank of archdeacon. Known as the first Christian martyr who was brought to trial by the Sanhedrin and severely beaten for his faith around 33-36.

Memorial Day of St. Theodore the Inscribed, Confessor

Two brothers from Syria – Theodore and Theophanes – were born in Jerusalem, believed in Christ. By the will of the Byzantine iconoclast emperor Theophilus, their faces were mutilated, and shameful verses were burned on them. Before the torture, the emperor offered Theodore to take communion, saying that this would save him from torment, but the Christian refused and was tortured.

10 January

Holy Martyr Nikodim (Kononov), Bishop of Belgorod

Bishop Nikodim was brutally executed in 1919 by the Bolsheviks. The Chinese soldiers executing the sentence refused to shoot at the priest. Then other soldiers were brought in, and Nicodemus was dressed in a soldier’s overcoat, so that no one would understand who was standing in front of them. 

Commemoration of the 20 martyrs burned in the church in Nicomedia 

The story tells that in 302 the believers entered the temple and began to pray. At that moment, the herald of the Roman emperor Maximian approached the church, who urged them to sacrifice to the pagan gods and thereby save their lives. The prayers did not obey, and paid with their lives.

Memorial Day of the Apostle from 70 Nicanor

One of the seventy apostles who preached in the XNUMXst century for Jesus Christ. The man was stoned to death along with Archdeacon Stefan and other believers.

11 January

Memorial Day of the Martyrs 14 babies beaten for Christ 

When Jesus Christ was born, King Herod saw him as his rival. To figure out the boy, he ordered to kill all the babies in the Jewish kingdom under the age of 2 years. It is believed that for this crime, which resulted in the death of 14 thousand babies, God severely punished Herod. 

12 January

Memorial Day of St. Macarius, Metropolitan of Moscow

Macarius came from a noble family. He spent a lot of energy on the creation of the first Moscow printing house, where charitable books were printed. In December 1563, Macarius wrote a letter to the tsar, in which he announced that he was going to live in the Pafnutiev Monastery. The sovereign begged Macarius to stay, he agreed, but soon died suddenly. Vladyka was buried in the Assumption Cathedral.

Memorial Day of the Apostle from the 70th Timon, Bishop of Bostria

One of the original 70 apostles who preached for Christ was appointed bishop in Arabia. Timon was persecuted for preaching the Gospel, despite miraculous deliverance from torture, he was executed.

Memorial Day of the Martyr Anisia of Thessaloniki (Thessaloniki)

Anisia was born in the city of Thessalonica. She had wealthy parents and a carefree childhood. Having lost her relatives early, the Christian suffered from the persecution of the Romans. Died at the hands of a soldier.

Memorial Day of Hieromartyr Zotik the Orphan, Presbyter

He served Constantine the Great, lived in luxury and wealth. With his own money he opened a hospital where he treated lepers. When the emperor died, his heir asked how much money Zotik lives on, and he showed him the hospital. Constantius became angry with the Roman, ordered him to be tied to horses and driven over rocky terrain. At the site of Zotik’s death, a source of fresh water later began to beat.

13 January

Celebration of the Nativity of Christ

Believers once again celebrate the spiritual meaning of Christmas, reflecting on the essence of this holiday. On this day, it is customary to give people gifts, visit the lonely, the sick, the weak, and bring everyone the joyful news of the birth of the Savior of the world.

Memorial Day of St. Melania the Roman (Generous Evening)

Daughter of Senator Valery Publicola, who had rich land holdings. Grandmother, Melania the Elder, led the girl to faith in Jesus Christ. Having sold her estates, Melania the Younger moved to live in North Africa and lived there for 22 years. She accepted her death in Jerusalem.

14 January

Circumcision of the Lord

The solemn event is celebrated throughout the Christian world. The essence of the feast of circumcision means the acceptance through pain of all human sins.

Memorial Day of St. Basil the Great (Vasil’s Day)

Vasily from an early age was receptive to the sciences. He studied in Constantinople, Athens, and after that he returned to Caesarea, where he began to teach rhetoric. During his short life, Vasily compiled several books, many sermons and letters remained after him.

15 January

Memorial Day of St. Seraphim of Sarov (repose, second finding of relics)

The saint was found in the Zosima-Sabbatiev Church. He was on his knees, but his body was already lifeless. 

Memorial Day of the Holy Prophet Malachi

The last Old Testament prophet died young. He lived four centuries before Jesus Christ, but the prophecies of Malachi were repeated even by the apostles themselves.

Memorial Day of Saint Sylvester, Pope of Rome

The Bishop of Rome lived during the reign of Emperor Constantine. The ruler persecuted one of the Christians, contracted leprosy, but visiting Sylvester, was baptized and healed, believing in Christ. 

Memorial Day of St. Righteous Juliana of Lazarevskaya (Muromskaya)

Juliania was born in the 30s of the XNUMXth century and lived her life in marriage with Georgy Osoryin, the family owned the village of Lazarevsky. The woman led a clean, righteous life, helped the prisoners. During the years of famine, under the reign of Tsar Boris Godunov, she sold her estate and all her property in order to buy bread for the poor.

16 January

Memorial Day of the Holy Martyr Gordias

Gordius lived in Rome during the reign of the emperor Licinius, was considered a brave military man and rose to the rank of centurion. Then he left the worldly life for the sake of faith. He spoke in defense of the followers of the teachings of Christ, for which he was condemned to torture and then executed.

17 January

Cathedral of the 70 Apostles

A special holiday appeared to emphasize the equality between the first followers of Christ. The Church calls to honor all 70 apostles with faith and without disagreement.

Memorial Day of St. Eustathius I, Archbishop of Serbia

The Christian, revered by believers, lived in the second half of the XNUMXth century, showed extraordinary abilities and received spiritual education. Having taken monastic vows, he became famous as an ascetic and a good teacher.

Memorial Day of St. Feoktist

Theoctist was the abbot of a monastery in Sicily, where Christians were hiding, who were pursued by iconoclasts.

18 January

Epiphany eve

On the eve of the twelfth holiday, it is customary to cook sochivo – a wheat dish with honey and raisins. According to an old tradition, the whole family gathers at the table. They put a bowl on the table, put all the spoons in it and cover it with bread in the hope of a good harvest. On Christmas Eve, as well as on Epiphany, the Great Blessing of Water takes place. Believers fast all day and start eating only with the rising of the first star. 

Memorial Day of the Prophet Micah

The revered biblical prophet and contemporary of Isaiah was one of the first to predict that terrible destruction awaited Judah. He also predicted the birth of the Savior of the world.

19 January

Epiphany

One of the main holidays of all Christians is dedicated to an important event in the life of Jesus. On this day, the son of God was baptized in the Jordan River. 

On the morning of this day, it is customary to drink blessed water and eat sacrums – ritual cookies in the form of two crossed strips. There is another beautiful tradition: after the church service, believers release white doves into the sky.

20 January

Cathedral of the Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John

On the day after Epiphany, everyone who participated in this event is honored, and above all, John the Baptist, who laid his hand on the head of Christ. Following the example of the Lord, many were also baptized in the Jordan River.

21 January

Memorial Day of St. Emilian

The Bishop of Kizichesky lived at the time when the iconoclast emperor Leo the Armenian reigned. Emilian tried to explain to the ruler that the question of the fight against icons could not be decided in the royal palace. For this, the bishop was sent to prison, where he died.

Memorial Day of St. George Hozevit

In his youth, George went on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, became a monk in a monastery near Jerusalem. He spent the rest of his life in prayer and humility.

Memorial Day of Saints Gregory the Wonderworker and Gregory the Recluse of the Caves

Both saints were monks at the Kiev Caves Monastery. Gregory the Wonderworker lived in the XNUMXth century and died in agony at the behest of Vladimir Monomakh’s younger brother, Rostislav Vsevolodovich. 

Gregory the Recluse had a cell in the distant caves of the Lavra in the XNUMXth century. It is believed that he lived on vegetables and herbs, and spent all nights in prayer.

Memorial Day of St. Domnica of Constantinople

In her youth, Domnica came to Constantinople from Carthage, was baptized by the patriarch and began to live in a monastery. The saint became famous for her healing gift, her prophecies and virtues.

Memorial Day of Hieromartyr Isidore of Yuryevsky (Derptsky), and with him 72 martyrs 

In 1472, the Livonian Bishop ordered the capture of Father Isidore and all the parishioners of his church, including women and children. They were forced to renounce their faith, but the prisoners refused. For this, believers were martyred.

22 January

Memorial Day of St. Philip, Metropolitan of Moscow and All Our Country

Fedor came from a noble boyar family, the Kolychevs. The future metropolitan began serving God in Solovki, where he took tonsure and received the name Philip. Tsar John IV the Terrible asked for support from the metropolitan, but he openly denounced the sovereign. Then Philip was imprisoned in a monastery.

Commemoration of the Martyr Polievkt

The future saint was a warrior under the emperor and sympathized with Christians. One day he went to the square and tore up the emperor’s decree on the worship of idols. Polyeuctus was seized and dealt with him.

Memorial Day of St. Eustratius, Wonderworker

When the young man was 20 years old, he left his parental home for a monastery. After some time, Eustratius became rector. He taught the monks who came to the monastery not to become attached to earthly goods, but to constantly think about the future life.

23 January

Memorial Day of St. Gregory of Nyssa

Gregory received a good education, was a bishop in the city of Nissa. Christians valued him for his fidelity to church dogmas, generosity, peacefulness, patience and compassion for the faithful.

Memorial Day of St. Theophan the Recluse Vyshensky

Grigory Govorov was born in 1815, received a good education and became a monk, taking the name Feofan. The priest actively studied scriptures, ancient manuscripts and taught at the Theological Academy in St. Petersburg.

Memorial Day of St. Markian of Constantinople

After the death of his parents, Marcian spent his inheritance on the construction and decoration of temples. The patriarch appreciated his zeal and appointed him to serve as a presbyter in the Great Church of Constantinople.

Memorial Day of Hieromartyr Anatoly, Metropolitan of Odessa

Andrei Grisyuk was born in 1880 into a poor family of a county treasurer, graduated from the Theological Academy in Kyiv and took the monastic vows, receiving the name Anatoly. During the years of the struggle of the Soviet authorities with religion, he was in prison, after which he was exiled to the north, where he died.

Memorial Day of St. Dometian, Bishop of Melitino

The saint lived in the XNUMXth century. In the Christian world, he was recognized as a person who zealously believes in God, was kind, generous and firm in his word.

Memorial Day of St. Pavel Komelsky (Obnorsky)

The disciple of Sergius of Radonezh from his youth was distinguished by mercy and piety. The saint lived as a recluse for 15 years and did not utter a word for three years. Then he founded the monastery, handed over the management of the monastery to his disciple, and he lived in solitude, receiving and instructing the suffering.

24 January

Memorial Day of St. Michael of Klopsky, Novgorod

A relative of Dmitry Donskoy was born into a boyar family, but took upon himself the feat of foolishness in the name of Christ. For more than 40 years, the blessed one lived in the Klopsky Monastery.

Memorial Day of St. Theodosius the Great

The saint lived for 30 years in a Palestinian cave in complete austerity and prayer. The spiritual feat attracted to him many Christians who wanted to live as a single monastic community. Through the efforts of Theodosius, the first Lavra was founded.

25 January

Memorial Day of the Martyr Tatiana of Rome and with her victims in Rome

The champion of the Christian faith suffered terrible torture, and then she was executed. In our country, Tatyana’s Day is also celebrated as a student holiday, because it was on January 25 that Empress Elizabeth signed a decree on the formation of a university in Moscow.

Memorial Day of St. Sava I, Archbishop of Serbia

The archbishop achieved the independence of the Serbian Church. In Serbia, on this day, schoolchildren celebrate the Day of Spirituality and do not attend classes.

Memorial Day of St. Martinian Belozersky

A zealous student of Kirill Belozersky adopted from his mentor an unlimited love for the Church, truth and justice. Martinian lived to the age of 85 and died in the Ferapont Monastery.

26 January

Memorial Day of St. Irinarch of Rostov

The saint made the decision to lead a monastic life at the age of six. Until the age of 30, he worked and was engaged in trade, and then he fulfilled his childhood dream. For about three decades, Irinarkh occupied a cold cell and wore heavy iron chains. 

Memorial Day of St. Eleazar of Anzersky

A merchant’s son from Kozelsk became a monk at a young age. In the monastery he was engaged in wood carving and book writing. Gone into another world a deep old man.

Memorial Day of the Martyrs Ermil and Stratonik

The two friends lived in the XNUMXth century, under the emperor Licinius, when Christians were severely persecuted. Despite the terrible torture, Yermil and Stratonik did not renounce their faith. Both were executed.

27 January

Memorial Day of Equal-to-the-Apostles Nina, Enlightener of Georgia

The future educator came to Georgian land from Cappadocia at the end of the XNUMXrd century. Thanks to her asceticism, the Christian faith was established in Georgia.

28 January

Memorial Day of St. Paul of Thebes

Pavel lived in a cave for 91 years, praying to God day and night. According to legend, he died on his knees while praying.

Memorial Day of St. John Kuschnik

John’s father was a wealthy senator Eutropius. John left his parents as a teenager and became a monk. In the monastic life he begged and exhausted himself with starvation.

29 January

Memorial Day of the Righteous Maxim of Totemsky, Presbyter

The saint spent 45 years playing the fool, fasting, walking around without warm clothes, not caring at all about his body. He died at a ripe old age, and after his death became famous for miracles. 

Adoration of the honest chains of the Apostle Peter

On this day, believers remember the prison shackles that were put on the Apostle Peter at the direction of the Jewish ruler Herod Agrippa.

Memorial Day of Hieromartyr John Pettai

Jan Pettai was born at the end of the XNUMXth century in Estonia. He knew all the hardships of the front during the First World War, and later became an Orthodox priest. Shot by the Bolsheviks.

30 January

Memorial Day of St. Anthony the Great

Anthony was born into a family of wealthy Coptic Christians. Among believers, he became famous as the founder of the monastic feat in the Egyptian desert.

Memorial Day of St. Anthony Dymsky

The saint was born in Novgorod in the middle of the 1192th century, took tonsure, and in XNUMX became abbot of the monastery. Then Anthony left the monastery, began to live in the forest, wore a heavy iron hat.

31 January

Memorial Day of Saints Athanasius the Great and Cyril, Archbishops of Alexandria

The heads of the Christian church in Alexandria lived at different times, but zealously defended the faith and fought against heretics.

Memorial Day of St. Cyril and Mary, parents of St. Sergius of Radonezh

The couple lived in the estate, which was located 4 miles from Rostov the Great, strictly followed the church charter and loved to visit churches. When they were expecting their second son, they made a vow that he would devote his life to serving the Church.

Popular questions and answers

The festive church calendar is of interest to many believers and those who are just thinking about baptism. We answer popular questions from readers of Healthy Food Near Me.