Church holidays in September 2022

For an Orthodox Christian, every September day is marked by one or even several church events. There are almost 80 holidays this month. Each of them is endowed with its sacred meaning and prescribes certain rules of conduct.

For example, on the day of the Beheading of John the Baptist, a believer must refrain from any fun and observe a kind of fast: not only animal products are excluded from the diet, but also any red food, as well as products resembling a head in shape. And on the day of commemoration of the Prophet Zechariah and the righteous Elizabeth, it is necessary to thoroughly sweep the house with a birch broom: it is believed that such a ritual protects the home from evil spirits. 

Let’s find out what other Orthodox holidays fall on September in 2022.

Calendar of church holidays in September

on September 1

Memorial Day of the Martyr Andrew Stratilates and 2593 martyrs who suffered with him (Thekla-beetroot)

On this day, Saint Andrew is remembered. He served in the Roman army and convinced many soldiers to renounce paganism. For this, Andrei, along with his associates, was tortured and then killed. 

The Christian Thekla also suffered severely for her beliefs. The popular name of the holiday is due to the fact that on this day the beet harvest began. 

Memorial Day of St. Pitirim, Bishop of Great Perm

The memorable date is associated with the name of Bishop Pitirim, who spread the Christian faith among the Zyryans, Permians, Votyaks and other small peoples who inhabited the Perm land.

on September 2

Memorial Day of the Prophet Samuel (Samoylin Day)

Memorial Day of the biblical prophet and the last of the judges of Israel. It was he who anointed King Saul as king. The Prophet Samuel is considered the patron saint of the poor and destitute. 

on September 3

Memorial Day of the Apostle from 70th Thaddeus

Thaddeus is a preacher of Christianity and one of the 70 disciples of Christ sent by Jesus to different cities in order to carry the Word of God. He preached in Syria, Mesopotamia, reached Phoenicia. In the local city, which is now called Beirut, he founded the first Christian church. 

Memorial Day of the Martyr Vassa and the children of her martyrs Theognius, Agapios and Pista

On September 3, the Orthodox commemorate the pious Christian Vassa, who suffered a lot. Betrayed by her husband, she was forced to watch her children being tortured, endure torture and beatings, but nothing broke her faith.

Memorial Day of the Monk Abraham of Smolensk, Archimandrite

On this day, Saint Abraham of Smolensk is also remembered. A Christian preacher lived in the XNUMXth century. According to legend, he performed a miracle and caused rain during a drought. 

on September 4

Memorial Day of the Martyrs Agathonicus, Zotik, Theoprepios (Bogolep), Akindin, Severian, Zinon and others

At the end of the 4rd – beginning of the XNUMXth century, at the height of the oppression of Christians, Agathonikos, along with several other believers, was captured and sent to trial. Only he managed to endure a long, full of tortures, but this did not save him from the death penalty. On September XNUMX, believers remember the fortitude of the spirit of Agathonikos and other martyrs. 

on September 5

Commemoration of the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The last day of the celebration of the Assumption of the Mother of God. The holiday is associated with the memory of the end of the earthly life of the Virgin.

Memorial Day of the Martyr Lupp of Thessalonica (Lupp Cowberry)

Lupp was a faithful servant of the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica. After the death of the master, he took his ring and soaked his clothes with his blood. According to legend, with the help of these things he performed many miracles. Lupp of Thessalonica was persecuted by the pagans, and after a while he was executed.

On this day, frosts usually occur, popularly called “Lupensky”. According to tradition, it is customary to go to the forest for lingonberries, hence the second name of the holiday. 

on September 6

Memorial Day of the Hieromartyr Eutychius, Bishop, Disciple of the Apostle John the Theologian (Eutychius the Quiet)

Saint Eutyches is remembered, whose commitment to the Christian faith could not be shaken by any suffering. The popular name of the holiday is explained by the usually calm, windless weather on this day. 

Transfer of the relics of St. Peter, Metropolitan of Moscow, Wonderworker of All Our Country

The solemn event, the memory of which is famous on this day, took place in 1472 after the reconstruction and consecration of the Assumption Cathedral. Metropolitan Peter is known for fighting for the unity of the state and for blessing Moscow as a collector of lands. 

Memorial Day of the Reverend Arseny Komelsky

The Monk Arseny Komelsky is known as a miracle worker, the founder of the Arseniyevo-Komelsky Rizopolozhensky Monastery, which has not survived to this day. Today in the Vologda region, work is underway to restore the monastery. 

on September 7

Transfer of the relics of the Apostle Bartholomew (Nathanael)

One of the 12 disciples of Jesus Christ, Saint Bartholomew was martyred: first, the preacher was crucified upside down, then skinned, and finally beheaded. Suffering did not force him to renounce his faith.

The memorable date is associated with the transfer of the relics of the martyr, which took place in the VI century.

Commemoration of the Apostle from the 70th Titus, Bishop of Crete

September 7 also commemorate the disciple of the Apostle Paul and the first bishop of the island of Crete – St. Titus. He was born into a pagan family, and later received Baptism from the Apostle Paul and became his disciple.

on September 8

Meeting of the Vladimir Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos

The Vladimir icon is one of the most revered icons since the time of Our Country. According to legend, it was written by the Evangelist Luke in the XNUMXst century.

Memorial Day of Martyr Adrian and Martyr Natalia

Adrian and Natalia were a couple from Nicodemia. Adrian was tortured and killed for his unwillingness to renounce Christianity, and Natalia died on her husband’s coffin.

on September 9

Remembrance Day of the Monk Pimen the Great (Kuksha fieldfare)

On September 9, it is customary to honor Saint Pimen, Hieromonk Kuksha, and Martyr Anfisa the New. The name of the holiday that has taken root among the people – Kuksha-rowanberry – is explained by the fact that usually on this day in Our Country they picked rowan berries. 

on September 10

Memorial Day of the Martyrs of Kazan

The memorable date is dedicated to the memory of the brethren of the Zilantov Monastery, who were shot by the Bolsheviks in 1918.

Memorial Day of Reverend Moses Murin, Hieromonk

Moses Murin is a Christian saint, a former robber and drunkard who gained faith. According to church history, Moses repented, accepted Baptism, and after a while became a monk and hierodeacon. 

Cathedral of the Reverend Fathers of the Kiev Caves

Day of the cathedral memory of the monks buried in the Feodosiev cave of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra. The general council of the venerable fathers of the Kiev Caves, who rest in the Near Caves, is celebrated on October 11.

Uncovering the relics of St. Job of Pochaev, hegumen

On this day they honor the Monk Job, a miracle worker who lived in Galicia in the 11th century. At the age of 20, he became a monk, led an ascetic life, in adulthood he headed the Exaltation of the Cross Monastery near the city of Dubno and defended it for XNUMX years during the persecution of Orthodox Christians.

Memorial Day of St. Savva of Krypetsky, Pskov

Celebration in honor of the monk, miracle worker and founder of the St. John the Theologian Savva-Krypetsky Monastery.

on September 11

The Beheading of John the Baptist (Head-Head)

On this day, believers remember the martyrdom of John the Baptist, who baptized Jesus Christ. At the request of the dancer Salome, King Herod ordered that the saint’s head be cut off. 

On this day, believers adhere to a strict fast. You can not eat not only meat and poultry, but also any other red food.

on September 12

Uncovering the relics of Prince Daniel of Moscow

Daniel was the youngest son of Alexander Nevsky, the first appanage prince of Moscow. According to legend, he was distinguished by piety and piety. 

The prince built a monastery near Moscow, where he received monastic vows. He died there at the age of 42. The uncovering of the holy relics of the prince took place in 1652.

Memorial Day of Saints Alexander, John the Faster and Paul the New, Patriarchs of Constantinople

The saints lived at different times, but all of them are united by the struggle against heretics who distorted the teachings of the Church.

Transfer of the relics of the Right-believing Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky (in the schema of Alexy)

The transfer of the relics of the prince from the Nativity Monastery in Vladimir to the St. Petersburg Trinity Monastery took place in 1724.

Memorial Day of St. Alexander Svirsky

Alexander Svirsky is known as a righteous man, a miracle worker and the only saint who was honored with the appearance of the Holy Trinity.

on September 13

Position of the Honorable Belt of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Initially, the Belt was in Jerusalem, but several centuries later it was transported to Constantinople, where it was solemnly placed in the ark of the Chalkopratian church. The Belt of the Virgin is known among believers for its healing properties. 

on September 14

The beginning of the indiction – church new year

Orthodox believers celebrate the new year, or the beginning of the church year. On this day, Christians pray to God for blessings for the coming year.

Memorial Day of St. Simeon the Stylite and his mother Martha of Cappadocia (Simeon the Pilot)

On September 14, Simeon the Stylite is remembered. The Syrian monk was the founder of “pilgrimage” – the practice of continuous prayer in an open area. On this day, people celebrate the beginning of Indian summer. 

Memorial Day of the Martyrs of the 40 Fasting Virgins and Hieromartyr Ammun of Heraclius, Deacon, Their Teacher

Hieromartyr Ammun and 40 holy virgins lived at the beginning of the XNUMXth century. They accepted death for their devotion to Christ at the behest of the ruler Licinius. 

on September 15

Memorial Day of the Martyrs Mamant, his father Theodotos and mother of the martyr Rufina (Ovcharnik)

Honoring the memory of the martyrs Mamant, Fedor and Rufina, who were persecuted for their faith. Saint Mamant was considered the patron saint of sheep and goats, hence the second name – Sheepfold.

Memorial Day of St. John the Faster, Patriarch of Tsaregrad

On September 15, the Orthodox world remembers St. John the Faster, who was distinguished by his virtue and love for the poor. 

Memorial Day of Saints Anthony and Theodosius of the Kiev Caves

The memorable date is associated with the names of the founders of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, St. Anthony and Theodosius. The Kiev-Pechersk monastery has become a model for other monasteries, is of great importance in the history of the formation of the Orthodox Church.

on September 16

Holy Hieromartyr Anfimos of Nicomedia

Bishop Anthimos of Nicomedia died at the hands of pagans after a fire broke out in the palace. Along with him, other Christians suffered for their beliefs: Deacon Theophilus, Martyrs Dorotheos, Mardonius, Migdonius, Peter, Indis, Gorgonius, Zinon, Martyr Domna, Martyr Euthymius. 

Memorial Day of St. Theoctist of Palestine, Companion of Euthymius the Great

On September 16, believers commemorate Theoktist of Palestine, who, together with Euthymius the Great, retired to the Kuttilian desert for fasting and prayer. Subsequently, he became the head of the monastic community (kinovia) formed under them. 

Memorial Day of Blessed John Vlasaty, Wonderworker of Rostov

John Vlasaty is the Rostov blessed, who lived in the XNUMXth century and is revered by believers as a miracle worker. 

on September 17

Cathedral of the Voronezh Saints

The day when believers remember all the saints of the Voronezh diocese. 

Uncovering the relics of St. Joasaph, Bishop of Belgorod

In 1991, after many decades, the relics of St. Joasaph were discovered. The sacred remains were identified and solemnly transferred to the Transfiguration Cathedral.

Memorial Day of the Hieromartyr Babyla and his three youths

The Hieromartyr Babyla, Bishop of Great Antioch, did not let the pagan emperor Decius enter the temple, because of which he became his evil enemy. The bishop’s disciples, Urvan, Prilidian, Eppolonius, as well as their mother Christodula, did not renounce their faith and their spiritual mentor even during torture. All accepted death for their unwavering faith. 

Memorial Day of the Prophet Moses the God-seer

This day is dedicated to the memory of the great prophet and legislator of the Israelites, Moses the God-seer. He is known as the founder of Judaism. According to Christian legends, Moses organized the Exodus of the Jews from Ancient Egypt, rallied people into a single people.

on September 18

Memorial Day of the Prophet Zechariah and Righteous Elizabeth

Believers remember the spouses Zacharias and Elizabeth, who gave life to John the Baptist. Recall that he subsequently baptized Jesus Christ.

Memorial Day of the Monk Martyr Athanasius of Brest

On September 18, believers also honor Athanasius of Brest. He is known in the Christian world as a priest of the Kyiv Metropolis, a social and religious figure in the Commonwealth.

The murder of the noble prince Gleb

Memorial Day of the death of Prince Gleb – one of the first martyrs-passion-bearers in Our Country. According to the official version, Gleb, along with his brother Boris, was killed by their older brother Svyatopolk. In history, he received the nickname “Cursed”.

on September 19

Remembrance of the Miracle of the Archangel Michael (First brotherhood)

Memorial Day of the miraculous appearance of the Archangel Michael and his salvation of the Khonekh temple from the attack of the pagans. On this day, the so-called “brothers” are organized – clarifying the relationship between relatives. During such gatherings, insults are forgiven, solutions are sought for disputes and conflicts. 

Commemoration of the Martyrs Eudoxius, Zinon and Macarius

These saints, together with their retinue, suffered for the Christian faith under Emperor Maximian Galerius. The ruler replaced Diocletian, also known for the persecution of Christians.

on September 20

Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The day when you can prepare for the celebration of the Nativity of the Virgin: attend a service in the temple, spend time in prayer. 

Commemoration of the Martyr Sozont of Pompeoli (Cilicia)

On September 20, believers venerate the Christian martyr Sozontes, a shepherd from Lycaonia who carried the word of God among other shepherds.

Memorial Day of St. John, Archbishop of Novgorod

On this day, it is customary to remember the archbishop of Novgorod John, who lived in the XNUMXth century. As a child, he devoted himself to the service of God. The Orthodox Church is revered as a saint.

Memorial Day of the Monk Martyr Macarius of Kanevsky

A holiday in honor of the Monk Martyr Macarius, who lived in the XNUMXth century in the city of Ovruch in Volhynia. Known as Pereyaslav miracle worker.

Macarius was tortured and executed, and then his body was burned along with the parishioners in the temple. The body of the martyr found on the ashes, according to legend, was not touched by fire.

Memorial Day of St. Serapion of Pskov

On September 20, the Orthodox commemorate the Monk Serapion, a miracle worker and zealous champion of Orthodoxy. 

on September 21

Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Oseniny)

The holiday is dedicated to the birth of the Mother of Jesus Christ. On this day, field work usually ended and mass festivities began in honor of the arrival of autumn. That is why the second name of the holiday is Oseniny. According to tradition, people thanked the Mother of God for the sent down harvest. 

Memorial Day of the Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God

The miraculous icon is revered by Orthodox and Catholics. According to legend, more than once they saw how light emanates from the icon. In the XNUMXth century, the noblewoman Anna Goiskaya, after her brother was healed, gave the icon to the monks who founded the Dormition Pochaev Lavra. 

on September 22

Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Afterfeast implies rethinking, re-remembering the sacred holiday.

Memorial Day of the Righteous Fathers of God Joachim and Anna

On September 22, believers honor the memory of Joachim and Anna, the parents of the Virgin Mary.

Memorial Day of the Martyr Severian of Sebaste

The saint suffered for his faith and devotion to Jesus Christ during the persecution of Christians in the era of the ruler Licinius in the XNUMXth century. 

Memorial Day of St. Joseph, Abbot of Volotsky (Volokolamsky)

On September 22, it is customary to remember the Monk Joseph, the founder of the Joseph-Volokolamsk Monastery. The abbot of the Volotsk Monastery is considered a miracle worker.

Finding and transfer of the relics of St. Theodosius, Archbishop of Chernigov

The imperishable relics of Saint Theodosius were uncovered in a cave in the Borisoglebsk church in 1895. 

on September 23

Memorial Day of the Martyrs Minodora, Mitrodora and Nymphodora

On this day at the end of September, the holy martyr sisters who suffered for their faith in Christ under the Roman emperor Galerius are commemorated.

Memorial Day of St. Paul the Obedient, Caves

Saint Paul is an Orthodox monk, an ascetic of the Far Caves in Kyiv. According to legend, he lived and carried the word of God at the turn of the XIII-XIV centuries.

Memorial Day of the Monk Ioasaph Kamensky (in the world of Prince Andrei Vologda), the miracle worker Spasokubensky

Day of veneration of the monk Joasaph Kamensky. He accepted monasticism at the age of 20 and devoted his life to serving God.

on September 24

Memorial Day of St. Theodora of Alexandria the Younger

On this day, they pay tribute to the memory of the Monk Theodora, an Orthodox saint who lived in the XNUMXth century. The holiday has several folk names. Fedorina’s evenings, because according to tradition, for two weeks every evening, women gathered to chop cabbage for sourdough. Since damp weather was setting in at that time, the second name is Fedora – soak your tails. And the third name, Fedora – obdera, appeared when they noticed how the wind was peeling off the ears of bread. 

Transfer of the relics of St. Sergius and Herman, Wonderworkers of Valaam

After the conclusion of the Treaty of Nystadt with the Swedes in 1721, the relics of the saints were solemnly transferred to the island of Valaam to the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord.

Memorial Day of St. Silouan of Athos

On September 24, the Orthodox also remember Silouan of Athos, a monk of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, who lived at the turn of the XNUMXth-XNUMXth centuries.

on September 25

Commemoration of the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The last day of the celebration of one of the main events of the Christian world – the Nativity of the Virgin.

Memorial Day of Hieromartyr Autonomus of Italy, Bishop

At the end of September, believers commemorate the Hieromartyr Autonomus, who lived during the reign of the Roman emperor Diocletian. He, like many others, did not renounce the Christian faith even in the face of fear of death.

Transfer of the relics of Righteous Simeon of Verkhoturye (Merkushinsky)

The relics of the righteous man were transferred to the Nikolaevsky Verkhoturye Monastery in 1704. Simeon of Verkhotursky is revered by the church in the guise of the righteous. It is believed that everyone who asks him for help gets what he asks for.

on September 26

Commemoration of the consecration of the Church of the Resurrection of Christ in Jerusalem (Resurrection word)

The holiday appeared in the church calendar on the occasion of the completion of construction and the consecration of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.

Prefeast of the Exaltation of the Holy and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord

In the last days of September, the period of preparation for the upcoming feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross begins.

Day of Remembrance of the Holy Martyr Cornelius the Centurion, Bishop (Cornilje)

On September 26, believers honor Cornelius the Centurion, the first pagan who converted to Christianity. The popular name of the holiday, Corniglier, refers to the tradition of picking root vegetables on this day.

on September 27

Exaltation of the Cross

The holiday was established on the occasion of finding the Cross of the Lord near Mount Golgotha ​​- the place where Jesus Christ was crucified. 

The Repose of Saint John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople

Memorial Day of the death of John Chrysostom. In church history, he is known as an archbishop, theologian, one of the three Ecumenical saints and teachers, along with Basil the Great and Gregory the Theologian. 

on September 28

Afterfeast of the Exaltation of the Holy and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord

On this day, believers remember the past feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. 

Memorial Day of the Great Martyr Nikita Gotfsky

Nikita Gotfsky is a Christian great martyr, sentenced for his sermons to death by burning at the end of the XNUMXth century.

on September 29

Memorial Day of the Great Martyr Euphemia the All-Praised (Birdbone)

Feast of the veneration of St. Euphemia, who lived in Chalcedon in the XNUMXrd-XNUMXth centuries. Another name for the holiday – Bird’s Bone – refers to the folk tradition to guess on the bones of birds about the upcoming winter on this day. 

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

September 29 is a celebration in honor of Metropolitan Cyprian, who became famous as a wise and zealous guardian of the pure teaching of the Church of God. 

on September 30

Memorial Day of the Martyrs of Faith, Hope, Love and their mother Sophia (Babya howl)

At the end of September, they remember Saint Sophia and her three daughters, who were tortured and killed by order of Emperor Adrian III for refusing to renounce the Christian faith. In Our Country, on this day, women usually cried loudly to ward off any sorrows and sorrows from the family, so the holiday has a popular name – Babia howl. 

Popular questions and answers

Let’s talk about important dates that the Orthodox world will celebrate in September, about traditions and rituals.