On this day we celebrate the return of Christ to heaven to assume His place at the right hand of the Father, and look forward to the descent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. Read on for ways to observe this joyous feast with your family!

After weeks of fasting, prayer and the rigorous schedule of services during Holy Week, the Feast of Feasts is finally here. We hope you find the resources below useful as you prepare for a blessed and Holy Pascha!

On March 25 NS/April 7 OS we honor the feast of the Visitation of the Archangel Gabriel to the Theotokos. The Annunciation falls in the middle of Great Lent, and gives us a glimmer of anticipation of the birth of our Savior. Here are some resources to help you celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation with your family!

Memorial services, also known as pannakhidas, are special prayer services offered for the departed. There are many forms, some of which take place just after a repose, but several times a year—especially around fasting periods—the Church holds general services to remember and pray for the departed.

The Great Fast is upon us! Beginning at sunset on Forgiveness Sunday, Orthodox Christians will spend the next seven weeks preparing for Pascha, the Feast of Feasts. With the increased number of services taking place, each week brings us more opportunities for prayer and repentance. There are also unique services and traditions during each of the weeks that richen the Lenten experience. Here are some resources and activities for the weeks of Great Lent to help you observe the fast in your little church.

The Presentation of the Lord in the Temple officially ends our Christmas observances with the infant Christ being brought into the Temple on his 40th day and his encounter with the prophet Simeon. In spiritual terms, we have left Christmas and now turn our focus to Pascha.

Orthodox Christians fast for the forty days prior to the Nativity of Christ, and enjoy a fast-free period for the eleven days following the feast. We have compiled a list of traditions, ideas and resources for observing the Twelve Days of Christmas according to the Orthodox calendar, to help you prepare for the festal season where we can happily proclaim “Christ is born! Glorify Him!”