Short backgrounds on observances across the faiths listed on this site.
Holiday names open the Holiday Calendar with dates for that observance.
The Feast of the Ascension commemorates Christ's ascension into heaven forty days after the Resurrection. One of the seven major feasts of the Lord in the Coptic Orthodox Church, it is celebrated with the Divine Liturgy and festal hymns. The feast always falls on a Thursday and prepares for the celebration of Pentecost ten days later.
The Feast of the Assumption of Saint Mary commemorates the Coptic Orthodox tradition of the assumption of the Virgin Mary's body into heaven. Celebrated on 16 Mesore in the Coptic calendar, currently corresponding to 22 August, it follows the Fast of Saint Mary and is marked by the Divine Liturgy, hymns, and strong devotion to the Theotokos.
Coptic Christmas, the Feast of the Nativity, celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ on 29 Kiahk in the Coptic calendar, currently corresponding to 7 January in the Gregorian calendar. One of the seven major feasts of the Lord, it follows the Nativity Fast and is celebrated with a festal Divine Liturgy, traditionally extending through the night, followed by family and community celebrations.
Coptic Easter, or the Glorious Feast of the Resurrection, celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and is the culmination of Great Lent and Holy Week. The festal Divine Liturgy traditionally begins on Saturday evening and continues into the night, proclaiming Christ's victory over death. The date is determined by the Coptic Paschal calculation and may differ from Western Easter.
Coptic Good Friday commemorates the Crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ and is one of the most solemn days of Coptic Holy Week. Extended prayers, Gospel readings, hymns, prostrations, and fasting accompany the commemoration of Christ's Passion. The long liturgical observance leads toward the celebration of the Resurrection.
Nayrouz marks the beginning of the Coptic calendar year on 1 Thout and is also known as the Feast of the Martyrs. The Coptic calendar numbers its years from the Era of the Martyrs, beginning under the Roman emperor Diocletian. The feast honors the witness of Christian martyrs and is celebrated with the Divine Liturgy and distinctive hymns. It currently falls on 11 or 12 September in the Gregorian calendar.
Palm Sunday commemorates Christ's entry into Jerusalem and is one of the seven major feasts of the Lord in the Coptic Orthodox Church. The liturgy includes a distinctive procession with palms and crosses, special hymns, and Gospel readings. The feast begins the final stage of Holy Week leading to the Crucifixion and Resurrection.
The Entry of the Lord into Egypt commemorates the Holy Family's flight into Egypt and their journey through places preserved in Coptic tradition. The feast has particular significance in the Coptic Orthodox Church because Egypt became a place of refuge for the infant Jesus, Saint Mary, and Joseph. It is celebrated on 24 Pashons, currently corresponding to 1 June.
The Coptic Feast of the Cross commemorates the discovery of the True Cross by Saint Helena and honors the Cross as the sign of Christ's victory and salvation. The principal observance begins on 17 Thout and extends for three days, with distinctive hymns, processions, and liturgical celebration. The Coptic Church also commemorates the Cross on 10 Paremhat.
Great Lent is the principal season of fasting and spiritual preparation for the Feast of the Resurrection in the Coptic Orthodox Church. The fifty-five-day period includes a preparatory week, forty days recalling Christ's fast in the wilderness, and Holy Week. It is marked by fasting, prayer, repentance, charity, additional liturgies, and distinctive hymns and rites.
The Feast of Pentecost commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles fifty days after the Resurrection. One of the seven major feasts of the Lord in the Coptic Orthodox Church, it celebrates the work of the Holy Spirit and the mission of the Church. The feast concludes the Holy Fifty Days that follow the Resurrection and is celebrated with the Divine Liturgy and distinctive prayers and hymns.
This holiday reference covers major observances across the faiths listed on this site. Local and regional customs can still differ. If something important to your community is missing, or a description needs a correction, please write to us at info@mysacredtimes.com.
