In modern society, one more positive trend is emerging: the revival of the spiritual foundations of Orthodoxy. Therefore, many, along with the so-called secular holidays, began to celebrate Orthodox holidays. About whether or not there is any celebration for a specific calendar day of the month, for example, December, you can cope with a special calendar of Orthodox holidays. It indicates which days in December the passing (those that do not have a fixed date) and non-transitional Orthodox holidays fall out.
Orthodox church holidays in December
First of all, it should be noted that for every day in December, as well as in any other month, there is a large or simply significant Orthodox holiday, an event from the life of Christ or the Mother of God is celebrated, the memory of saints is celebrated or miracle-working icons are glorified . As a rule, ordinary festivals are celebrated only in the circle of the clergy. But there are dates that are especially prominent in the church calendar. On such days great festivals come, which are usually called the Great Orthodox holidays. The most significant of them is the Bright Easter, Resurrection of the Lord God of Jesus Christ. To the Great, there are also twelve holidays, which are usually called the Twelve. Among them there are non-transient ones - celebrated always on a certain day, and passing, the date of celebration of which varies depending on the date of the celebration of Easter. Of course, the realities of modern life do not allow you to carefully monitor all Orthodox holidays and perform appropriate rituals. But, nevertheless, the most significant dates should be known. In the first days of December, namely the 4th day, the Great Unreinceptive Twentieth Feast of the Presentation into the Temple of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated - the memory of the solemn introduction of the three-year-old Mary into the Jerusalem Temple, her dedication to God and preparation for the future immaculate conception and birth of Jesus Christ is celebrated. From this day in the churches the preparation for Christmas begins. Folk traditions prescribe to open fairs. In the old days of the Introduction, more precisely on the night of December 4 to 5, the girls before the bed said such words - "Holy Introduction, lead me to where I live." It was believed that this night she would dream of the house of her future spouse.
Among the December Orthodox holidays, it should be noted the memory of the holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called (December 13). This saint is considered the patron of Russia. Peter the Great founded the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called, and since 1998 the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called is the highest award of the Russian Federation. In addition, the flag of Russian military sailors is called Andreevsky. On the white background of this flag is an X-shaped cross. It was on this cross that the Apostle Andrew the First-Called was crucified. And, of course, we can not say about the most famous December Orthodox holiday - the Day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.
Orthodox holiday of St. Nicholas in December
St. Nicholas Day is celebrated on December 19. Celebrations are aimed at honoring the memory of Archbishop Nicholas (died on not exact data in 345), famous for his kindness and mercy. Even in his youth Nikolai, being a native of a wealthy family, helped the needy, especially children - he gave them toys, brought medicines and things. Therefore, in our days and there is a tradition to give children in Nikolen Day (another name of the holiday) gifts and necessarily nikolaychiki - small honey gingerbread in the form of a month and stars.