The Russian Orthodox Church follows the Julian calendar, which is currently 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar used by most of the Western world. The 2022 Russian Orthodox calendar is filled with significant dates that hold great importance for Orthodox Christians. Here are some of the key dates to mark on your calendar:

January

• January 6-7: Christmas – The Russian Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas on January 7, as per the Julian calendar. This is a major holiday and a time for family, friends, and reflection.
• January 19: Epiphany – Also known as Theophany, this holiday commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ and is a significant date in the Orthodox calendar.

February

• February 27: Forgiveness Sunday – This marks the beginning of Lent, a period of fasting and reflection that lasts for 40 days.

March-April

• March 7 – April 23: Great Lent – This period of fasting and reflection is a time for Orthodox Christians to prepare for Easter.
• April 23: Lazarus Saturday – This holiday commemorates the resurrection of Lazarus and marks the beginning of Holy Week.
• April 24: Palm Sunday – This holiday marks the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem and is a significant date in the Orthodox calendar.

May

• May 1: Easter Sunday – The Russian Orthodox Church celebrates Easter on a date that varies each year, but usually falls in April or May. This is a major holiday and a time for joy, celebration, and reflection.
• May 9: Radonitsa – This holiday is a day of remembrance for the deceased and is usually celebrated on the second Tuesday after Easter.

June

• June 12: Trinity Sunday – This holiday commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and is a significant date in the Orthodox calendar.
• June 20: All Saints’ Sunday – This holiday honors all saints, known and unknown, and is usually celebrated on the first Sunday after Trinity Sunday.

August

• August 19: Transfiguration – This holiday commemorates the transfiguration of Jesus Christ and is a significant date in the Orthodox calendar.

September

• September 11: Beheading of St. John the Baptist – This holiday commemorates the martyrdom of St. John the Baptist and is a significant date in the Orthodox calendar.

December

• December 4: Entry of the Theotokos – This holiday commemorates the presentation of the Virgin Mary at the Temple and is a significant date in the Orthodox calendar.

These are just some of the key dates in the 2022 Russian Orthodox calendar. Orthodox Christians around the world will be celebrating these holidays with prayer, fasting, and reflection. Whether you’re an Orthodox Christian or simply interested in learning more about the faith, these dates are an important part of the Russian Orthodox tradition.