Church holidays in May 2023

One of the most significant events that believers celebrate in May 2023 is the Ascension of the Lord. In addition, the days of commemoration of holy icons and the finding of relics, as well as the dates of veneration of saints, fall on the last spring month. We tell you what other church holidays fall on May 2023 by day.

Calendar of church holidays in May

1 May

Memorial Day of St. John of Thessalonica

On this day, believers remember the disciple of Gregory the Decapolite – John of Thessalonica. The saint professed Orthodoxy all his life, and also fought against the persecution organized by Leo the Armenian for icon veneration.

Celebration of the Maximovskaya Icon of the Mother of God

The image was painted in 1299. According to legend, Metropolitan Saint Maxim of Vladimir received a vision of the need to paint an icon. It was a difficult time for Our Country and for the Orthodox: the Horde yoke hung over the country, and many holy values ​​uXNUMXbuXNUMXbare destroyed or stolen.

Memorial Day of the Martyrs Victor, Akindin, Zinon, Severian, Zotik and Caesarea

All of them lived during the reign of the Roman emperor Diocletian, known for his persecution of Christians.

Having witnessed cruel tortures on another famous martyr – George (the Victorious) – and seeing that he was not injured, they declared that they also believe in Jesus Christ. For this they all lost their heads.

2 May

Memorial Day of St. John Paleolavrite

Celebration of the memory of Hieromonk John. St. John in his youth made a pilgrimage to the holy places of Jerusalem, after which he settled in the Ancient Lavra, where he achieved high spiritual enlightenment.

Memorial Day of the Blessed Matrona of Moscow       

Honoring the memory of one of the most famous healers in Our Country – Matrona of Moscow. The saint was blind from birth, but despite this, the gift of clairvoyance began to manifest itself in her youth. Today Matrona is considered the patroness of family and marriage. They turn to her for the healing of ailments and sorrows, and also ask for the gift of children.

3 May

Memorial Day of St. Theodore Vlasyanichny          

Church memory in honor of the monk Theodore, originally from Constantinople. The monk, while still a youth, left worldly wealth and retired to a desert monastery in Thrace, where he accepted monasticism. He received the nickname “Vlasyanichny” because he wore only a coarse, prickly hair shirt.

Memorial Day of St. Alexander Oshevensky

On this day, believers remember the founder and first hegumen of the Oshevensky Monastery, St. Alexander.

Memorial Day of the Infant Martyr Gabriel of Bialystok        

The memory of the holy martyr Gabriel, who is revered as the patron saint of children. The saint was canonized by the Orthodox Church in 1820.

Memorial Day of St. Nicholas, Bishop of Serbia, Ohrid and Zhich

Saint Nicholas was born into a family of peasants and believers. In his youth he was tonsured a monk. Bishop found the Second World War, ended up in the Dachau concentration camp. After the war, he was engaged in the restoration of monasteries: there were not enough male monks, so the nuns helped the saint.

4 May

Uncovering the relics of St. Theodore of Sanaksar          

The Orthodox remember the discovery of the relics of Hieromonk Theodore, who is considered the restorer of the Sanaksar Monastery.

Memorial Day of Saint Maximian, Patriarch of Constantinople

Lived in the XNUMXth century. He was born into a family of wealthy parents, but he himself preferred a modest life. With his own money, he helped to bury believers. The patriarch died peacefully.

Memorial Day of Presbyter Nikolai Pisarevsky

Nikolai Pisarevsky was born into the family of a priest and later followed in his footsteps. The Bolsheviks who came to power arrested the priest, and the temple in Nikolai’s native village was closed. But with the help of the believers, he managed to free him and restore the work of the temple. Later, the priest was again arrested and exiled to the North. In exile, he died.

5 May

Memorial Day of St. Theodore Sykeot

Honoring the memory of St. Theodore, who accepted monasticism in Jerusalem. The saint had the gift of clairvoyance and healing of diseases.

Memorial Day of the Apostle Bartholomew and the Apostles from 70 Luke and Clement

The Church honors the memory of the three apostles – Bartholomew, Luke and Clement. Bartholomew was one of the 12 apostles of Christ, preaching the gospel in Syria and Asia Minor. Saints Luke and Clement were apostles from 70. Luke is an associate of the Apostle Paul, an icon painter, and also the author of the book of the Acts of the Apostles. Clement was the bishop of the city of Sardica in Asia Minor.

Memorial Day of St. Vitaly of Alexandria   

Honoring the memory of the monk Vitaly, originally from Alexandria, who became famous for an unusual type of spiritual feat – he saved fallen women with his prayers.

Transfer of the relics of Prince Vsevolod of Novgorod

Commemorative date on the transfer of the relics of the grandson of Vladimir Monomakh, the right-believing Prince Vsevolod. During his life, he built many temples, and also helped people in times of famine.

6 May

Memorial Day of the Great Martyr George the Victorious

Celebration of memory in honor of St. George the Victorious, who refused persuasion to renounce Christ, after which, by order of Emperor Diocletian, he was subjected to terrible torments. On the icons, the great martyr is depicted sitting on a white horse and striking a serpent with a spear.

Memorial Day of the Iberian Icon of the Mother of God         

On this day, the Orthodox commemorate the icon of the Mother of God, which is located in the Iberian Monastery. The icon was destroyed by order of Emperor Theophilus, but it was saved – it was lowered into the sea near the city of Nicaea, after which it soon sailed to Athos, where it remains to this day.

7 May

Memorial Day of the Martyr Savva Stratilates and 70 soldiers with him          

Honoring the memory of Saint Sava and his soldiers who served under the emperor Aurelian. Savva was a Christian, helped the destitute and healed the sick. He and 70 of his soldiers were persecuted, and then drowned in the river for their faith in Christ.

Memorial Day of Saints Savva of the Caves and Alexy, the recluse of the Caves

Commemoration day of two saints Sava and Alexy, who labored in the Near Caves of the Kiev Caves Monastery in the XNUMXth century.

8 May

Memorial Day of St. Sylvester of Obnorsk        

Believers on this day honor the memory of the disciple and tonsured Sergius of Radonezh, and the abbot of the church on the Obnora River – St. Sylvester. The monk led a hermit life, possessed the gift of healing from demon possession, and also cured eye diseases.

Memorial Day of the Apostle and Evangelist Mark 

The memory of the founder of many churches built in Egypt is Mark. He was the closest associate of the apostles Peter, Paul and Barnabas. The saint was also the author of the Gospel of Mark.

9 May

Memorial Day of the Hieromartyr Basil of Amasia   

A memorable date dedicated to the martyr Basil from the city of Amasia. The saint in every possible way supported and consoled Christians who suffered from the persecution of the pagans, for which he was executed by order of the emperor Licinius.

Memorial Day of St. Stephen, Bishop of Perm

From childhood he served the Church, in his youth he became a monk of the Rostov Monastery named after Gregory the Theologian. Then he went to Perm to convert local pagans to the Christian faith – for this he even studied their language and translated a number of church books into it.

Day of Remembrance of the Dead Soldiers

A special day of honoring the memory of the soldiers who put their souls on the battlefield during the Great Patriotic War.

Memorial Day of the Monk Ioannikios Devichensky       

A feast in honor of St. Ioannikios, who was a hermit, and after many years of ascetic life, he took monastic vows. The saint spent more than 70 years in labors, where he achieved a high spiritual connection with God.

10 May

Mid-Pentecost

Passing holiday. Midnight means that exactly half the time has passed between two major church holidays: Easter and Trinity, which is called Pentecost in a different way (celebrated on the 50th day after Easter). 

Memorial Day of the Apostle from the 70th Simeon of Jerusalem (Semyon Ranopashetz)

Memory dedicated to one of the 70 apostles – Simeon of Jerusalem. The saint preached Christianity, for which he was captured by pagans and crucified on a cross during the reign of Emperor Trajan. In the folk calendar, this day is designated as Semyon Ranopashets – the name is associated with the beginning of arable work in Our Country.

Memorial Day of Saint Stephen

In the Orthodox church calendar, this day is marked as the day of memory of the disciple of the Monk Theodosius – Stefan. Before being tonsured a monk, the saint was brought up in a wealthy family, and after his death he gave away all his property and devoted himself to serving God.

11 May

Memorial Day of the Martyrs Dada, Maximus and Quintilian

Commemoration of the holy martyrs who were tormented during the reign of Emperor Diocletian. At his command, during celebrations and festivities, sacrifices were made to pagan gods.

Memorial Day of St. Cyril of Turov           

On this day, Bishop Kirill of Turov is honored, who abandoned his family heritage and chose the spiritual path. The saint became famous for the many theological works that he created throughout his life. Today, the works of Cyril are included in many church collections. For the richest spiritual heritage, he was nicknamed the ” Chrysostom”.

Memorial Day of the Apostles from 70 Jason, Sosipater, Martyr Kerkyra the virgin and others who suffered with them         

According to the church calendar, on this day they honor the memory of the holy apostles and martyrs who were imprisoned, by decision of the ruler of the island of Kerkyra, for performing the rite of baptism. Martyr Kerkyra was the daughter of the ruler of the island, but despite this she was sentenced to death by her own father for adopting the Christian faith.

12 May

Commemoration of the Nine Martyrs of Kyzic 

Commemorative date dedicated to nine Christian martyrs from the city of Cyzicus. They were sentenced to death by the ruler of the city for their faith in the Savior.

Memorial Day of the Venerable Wonderworker Memnon

The Church on this day honors the memory of the abbot of the Egyptian monastery – Memnon. The saint led an ascetic life. And with his hard fasting labors and unceasing prayer to God, he received the gift of clairvoyance.

Memorial Day of St. Basil of Ostrog        

Commemoration of the memory of the Bishop of Zakholmye and Skenderia – St. Basil, who was forced to move because of the oppression of the Serbian people by the Turks to the Ostroh Hermitage, where the metropolitan erected new churches.

13 May

Memorial Day of the Apostle James Zebedee

On this day, the memory of one of the twelve holy apostles, James, is venerated in the church calendar. The holy martyr was called to preach the Gospel by the Lord Himself. After the descent of the Holy Spirit, Jacob continued to preach about Jesus Christ to the people of different countries.

Uncovering the relics of St. Nikita, the recluse of Pechersk

The day dedicated to the uncovering of the relics of St. Nikita. The saint in his youth stepped on the threshold of the Kiev-Pechersk Monastery, but soon after that he wished to go into seclusion, where he fell into temptation. The elders came to his aid and drove away the demons with their prayers. After that, Saint Nikita began to live in strict fasting, practicing humility and obedience.

Memorial Day of Saint Ignatius 

Christian memory of the Bishop of Stavropol and the Caucasus

– Saint Ignatius. He became famous for his ascetic life and the authorship of many spiritual works.

14 May

Memorial Day of the Prophet Jeremiah (Yeremey Harness)

Honoring the memory of the prophet Jeremiah, who was killed by the Jews for one of his predictions. The popular name “Jeremey Harness” is associated with the allocation of land for plowing and sowing.

Memorial Day of Blessed Tamara, Queen of Georgia   

Celebration of memory in honor of the Queen of Georgia – Tamara the Great, who supported the Christian faith in the lands of Georgia, and also contributed to the construction of churches and monasteries.

Memorial Day of the Hieromartyr Macarius, Metropolitan of Kyiv    

In the Orthodox calendar, this date is designated as the day of memory of the Metropolitan of Kyiv – St. Macarius. The holy martyr was killed by the Tatars in 1497.

15 May

Transfer of the relics of the martyrs of the noble princes Boris and Gleb

The church commemorates the transfer of the relics of the noble princes Boris and Gleb to a new tomb built in Vyshgorod in 1115.

Memorial Day of St. Athanasius the Seated

Day of Orthodox remembrance of the Metropolitan of Thessalonica Church – St. Athanasius. The saint spent his last days in the Lubensky Monastery, where he was buried according to Eastern traditions in a sitting position.

Memorial Day of the Blessed and Equal-to-the-Apostles Tsar Boris 

Honoring the memory of Tsar Boris, who in every possible way contributed to the spread of Christianity in Bulgaria.

Memorial Day of St. Athanasius the Great, Archbishop of Alexandria 

Commemoration dedicated to the Bishop of the city of Alexandria, as well as the author of many spiritual works – St. Athanasius.

16 May

Memorial Day of the Martyr Timothy and the Martyr Maura (Mavra’s Nursery)

Commemoration of the memory of the martyr Timothy and the martyr Maura, who were crucified for their faith in Christ during the reign of Emperor Diocletian. According to the folk calendar, May 16 is considered a favorable day for planting seedlings in open ground, hence the name “Nursery”.

Memorial Day of the Monk Theodosius, hegumen of Kiev-Pechersk      

On this day, the hegumen of the Kiev Caves Monastery, St. Theodosius, is commemorated. The monk is considered the founder of monasticism in the land.

17 May

Commemoration of the Feast of Mid-Pentecost

Midlife is celebrated on May 10, after which the afterfeast takes place for 7 days – that is, believers remember the holiday. Giving is the last day of the afterfeast.

Memorial Day of the Martyr Pelagia the Virgin (Pelageya the Intercessor)

According to the church calendar, this is the feast day of St. Pelagia, who 

suffered for the Christian faith during the persecution of Emperor Diocletian. Saint Pelageya in Our Country is considered the patroness and protector, from which the popular name “Intercessor” came from.

Memorial Day of the Alfanov brothers in Novgorod       

Celebration of memory dedicated to the founders of the Novgorod Skolnitsky monastery brothers Alfanov – Nikita, Cyril, Nikifor, Clement, Isaac.

18 May

Memorial Day of the Great Martyr Irene of Macedon

Honoring the memory of Saint Irene, who preached Christianity among the pagans, for which she was repeatedly subjected to various tortures by the rulers of the cities of Migdonia and Kallipolis.

Uncovering the relics of St. Jacob Zheleznoborovsky   

The spiritual event of finding the relics of Abbot Jacob, who during his lifetime built a monastery on the banks of the Tebza, nicknamed Zheleznoborovsky.

19 May

Memorial Day of the Righteous Job the Long-suffering (Job Goroshnik)

Orthodox memory of St. Job, whose difficult path and life sufferings are described in the Bible. The popular name – “Pea” – is associated with the beginning of the time of sowing peas.

Memorial Day of St. Micah of Radonezh  

A memory dedicated to one of the first disciples of Sergius of Radonezh, Saint Micah, who witnessed the appearance of the Most Holy Theotokos.

Memorial Day of Martyr Barbara Lukansky

Veneration of St. Barbarian, who for a long time led a robbery lifestyle. Once the Barbarian was sitting in a cave near the stolen property, thinking about the future terrible judgment, then the Lord turned him to repentance and all his sins were forgiven.

20 May

Commemoration of the appearance in heaven of the Cross of the Lord in Jerusalem          

A spiritual event that took place in 351. Associated with the appearance in heaven of the Cross of the Lord in Jerusalem. According to church history, it was this event that spurred many people to accept Christianity. Among the people, this festival is also called the Giving of the Great Easter holiday – the day when people get the opportunity to once again thank Christ for earthly deeds.

Memorial Day of the Reverend Nil Sorsky  

The day of honoring the memory of the spiritual writer – St. Nile, who lived for a long time on the Sora River in the Vologda land, where the monastery was founded.

Memorial Day of the Martyr Akakiy  

Celebration of the memory of the centurion of the Martisian regiment – Akakiy, who was subjected to cruel torments for the Christian religion.

21 May

Memorial Day of the Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian (Ivan Dolgy)

Church memory of one of the 12 apostles, as well as the author of many spiritual writings, including the Gospel – John the Theologian. The people called the holiday “Long” because all the field work began in the early morning and continued until late in the evening.

Memorial Day of Saints Arseniy the Hardworking and Pimen the Faster, Pechersky          

Church Commemoration of Saints Pimen and Arseny. Hegumen of the Kiev Caves Monastery, Pimen, led services in the Far Caves, and the Monk Arseny – in the caves of the Kyiv Monastery of the Assumption of the Most Holy Theotokos.

Memorial Day of St. Arseny the Great        

Honoring the memory of the great ascetic and silent man – Saint Arseny.

22 May

Memorial Day of the Prophet Isaiah      

Honoring the memory of Saint Isaiah, who prophesied the coming of Christ to earth. The saint was subjected to martyrdom, he was sawn up with a wooden saw by order of the Jewish king Manasseh.

Memorial Day of St. Shio Mgvimsky           

Honoring the memory of one of the 12 chosen disciples of St. John, as well as the founder of the Mgvime Monastery – Shio.

Transfer of the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker (Nikola Teply)

Sacred memory of the transfer of the relics of Nicholas the Wonderworker

from Lycia to the city of Bar in 1087. The popular name “Nikola Teply” comes from the weather – at this time, as a rule, it is already warm outside.

23 May

Memorial Day of the Apostle Simon the Zealot

The memory is made in honor of one of the 12 apostles – Simon. The nickname “Zealot” means zealot. The saint glorified Christ with many miraculous signs.

Memorial Day of St. Simon of the Caves

Remembrance, set to the Bishop of the city of Vladimir-on-Klyazma and Suzdal – St. Simon.

Memorial Day of Blessed Simon, Christ for the Holy Fool

Memorial date of St. Simon, originally from Yuryevets Povolzhsky. For a special feat of self-denial, he received from the Lord the gifts of foresight and miracles.

24 May

Passover celebration

In 2023, Easter falls on April 16, and the Feast of Giving (that is, the last day of the afterfeast) is celebrated on the 39th day. On this day, it is customary to go to church, the priests read the liturgy, read sermons and prayers.

Feast of the Ascension of the Lord

Another important Orthodox holiday that has a rolling date. The Ascension of the Lord is celebrated on the 40th day after Holy Pascha. But they begin to prepare for it even the day before, on the day of Easter.

Memorial Day of the teachers of the Slovenian Equal-to-the-Apostles Methodius and Cyril

Day of veneration of the creators of the Slavic alphabet, as well as the authors of the translation of liturgical books – the brothers Methodius and Cyril.

Memorial Day of the Hieromartyr Mokiy (Mokey Wet)

Honoring the memory of the presbyter in the city of Amphibia – Mokia. The saint preached Christianity, for which he was severely tortured and then beheaded. The popular name “Wet” is associated with precipitation – at this time, according to folk signs, it often rains.

Memorial Day of Hieromartyr Joseph, Metropolitan of Astrakhan         

Church veneration of the memory of Metropolitan of Astrakhan – Joseph, who died a martyr’s death during the uprising of the townspeople in 1918.

Memorial Day of St. Nicodemus      

Believers on this day remember the abbot of the Hilendar Monastery, Archbishop of Serbia – Nikodim. The saint became famous for his translations into the Slavic language, as well as for the introduction of the Rule of Saint Sava the Sanctified of Jerusalem.

25 May

Ascension

According to church history, after the resurrection, Jesus Christ taught the apostles for 40 days, talked with them and urged them to convert people to faith. And on the 40th day, he turned into a spirit and ascended into heaven in front of his disciples.

The holiday was named after this event.

Memorial Day of the Holy Martyr Hermogen

Celebration of memory in honor of the first Metropolitan of Kazan, as well as the author of the story about the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God – St. Hermogenes. The saint died of starvation in 1612.

Memorial Day of St. Epiphanius

The Orthodox remember the Bishop of Salamis – Epiphanius, who had the gift of healing diseases.

Memorial Day of St. Dionysius of Radonezh        

Veneration of the memory of Archimandrite of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra – St. Dionysius. The saint was engaged in the correction of liturgical writings.

26 May

Feast of the Ascension of the Lord

All major church holidays are usually celebrated a few days before and after the event itself. The day after Ascension is called the afterfeast.

Memorial Day of the Martyr Glykeria, Martyr Laodiceus of Heracles (Lukerya Komarnitsa)

The Church remembers the martyr Glyceria and the martyr Laodicea, who suffered for their faith in Christ during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Antoninus. The popular name of the holiday “Komarnitsa” is due to the fact that after this date the first mosquitoes appeared.

Transfer of the relics of the Monk Martyr Macarius of Kanevsky           

Sacred memory of the transfer of the relics of St. Macarius from Kanev to Pereyaslavl, which took place in 1688.

Memorial Day of the Martyr Alexander of Rome          

According to the church calendar, this is the day of memory of St. Alexander, who suffered for the Christian religion, during the reign of Emperor Maximian.

27 May

Memorial Day of the Martyr Isidore of Chios (Sidor Bokogrey)

Orthodox believers honor the memory of Saint Isidore from the island of Chios. The saint was accepted into the service of the troops of the Roman Empire, but was executed for his faith in Christ. The popular name “Bokogrey” is due to the fact that from that moment the cold winds finally stopped blowing and it became warm.

Memorial Day of Blessed Isidore of Rostov 

Celebration of memory, in honor of Saint Isidore, who converted to Orthodoxy in Rostov. The saint had the gift of divination.

28 May

Memorial Day of St. Pachomius the Great (Pahom Warm)

Spiritual memory dedicated to one of the founders of the monastic community in Egypt – Pachomius. According to the folk calendar, the holiday was dubbed “Warm” because of the arrival of warm days, similar to summer.

Memorial Day of the Blessed Tsarevich Dimitry of Uglich and Moscow

Honoring the memory of the son of Tsar Ivan the Terrible – Demetrius, who died for an unclear reason in 1591.

Memorial Day of St. Euphrosynus 

In Orthodoxy, this is the day of memory of the founder of the Spaso-Eleazarovsky Monastery – St. Euphrosynus.

29 May

Memorial Day of St. Theodore the Sanctified (Fyodor Zhitnik)

Day of honoring the memory dedicated to the disciple of the Monk Pachomius the Great – Saint Theodore. He received his nickname “Sanctified” for the fact that 

the first was ordained a priest in the Tavennis monastery. The popular name “Zhitnik” is associated with the last favorable time for sowing cereals.

Transfer of the relics of St. Ephraim of Perekomsky

Commemoration of the transfer of the relics of St. Ephraim in 1545. The celebration was established at the Moscow Cathedral in 1549.

30 May

Memorial Day of the Apostle from the 70th Andronicus and St. Junia         

Honoring the memory of the relatives of the Apostle Paul, who preached the Gospel to the Gentiles. The saints were martyred for their faith in Christ.

Memorial Day of St. Euphrosyne, Grand Duchess of Moscow (Evdokia Svistunya)

A sacred memory dedicated to the wife of the Grand Duke of Moscow Dimitry Donskoy – Euphrosyne, who helped in the construction of several churches. The popular name “Whistle” comes from the winds that whistle during this period.

31 May

Memorial Day of the Martyr Theodotos Korchemnik and seven virgins with him

The memory of the martyr Theodotos and the seven martyrs with him – Alexandra, Tecusa, Claudia, Faina, Euphrasia, Matrona and Julia, who were martyred during the persecution of Christians by Emperor Diocletian.

Commemoration of the Holy Fathers of the Seven Ecumenical Councils    

A holiday in which all seven pillars of the Church are gathered – the seven Ecumenical Councils. This is the formation of the Church, the definition of the foundations of Christian doctrine.

Memorial Day of the Martyrs Peter, Dionysius, Andrew, Paul and the Martyr Christina

On this date, believers remember the five martyrs who were tortured for their faith in God under Emperor Decius in the XNUMXrd century.

Popular questions and answers