Greek Orthodox Calendar 2024 Australia

Orthodox Calendar for the New Year Saints of Profession No.034, 2020 from nioras.com

In 2023, I attended my first Greek Orthodox event in Australia. Being of Greek descent, I was excited to learn more about my culture and traditions. The event was a festival celebrating the start of the Greek Orthodox Calendar for 2024. It was a wonderful experience and I learned so much about the traditions and events that take place throughout the year.

What is the Greek Orthodox Calendar?

The Greek Orthodox Calendar is based on the Julian calendar and is used by the Greek Orthodox Church for religious purposes. It begins on September 1st and ends on August 31st of the following year. The calendar is filled with important dates and events that are celebrated by the Greek Orthodox community.

List of Events and Festivals in Greek Orthodox Calendar 2024 Australia

There are many events and festivals that take place throughout the year in the Greek Orthodox Calendar 2024 Australia. Here are some of the most important:

September 1st – Ecclesiastical New Year
September 14th – Exaltation of the Holy Cross
November 21st – Presentation of the Virgin Mary
December 25th – Christmas Day
January 6th – Epiphany/ Theophany
February 2nd – Presentation of Christ in the Temple
March 25th – Annunciation of the Theotokos
April 28th – Holy Friday
April 30th – Easter Sunday
June 29th – Saints Peter and Paul

Events and Festivals Celebration in Greek Orthodox Calendar 2024 Australia

Each event and festival in the Greek Orthodox Calendar 2024 Australia is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm. Families come together to attend church services, share meals, and participate in cultural activities. For example, during the celebration of Epiphany/Theophany, the Blessing of the Waters takes place. This involves the priest throwing a cross into the water and young men diving in to retrieve it. The one who retrieves the cross is said to have good luck for the year.

The celebration of Easter is the most important event in the Greek Orthodox Calendar. The week leading up to Easter, known as Holy Week, is marked by special church services and traditions. On Holy Friday, a procession takes place where the faithful carry a flower-covered bier representing the tomb of Christ. On Easter Sunday, families gather to break their fast with traditional foods such as lamb, tsoureki (sweet bread), and red eggs.

Question and Answer (Q&A) and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the significance of the Greek Orthodox Calendar?

A: The Greek Orthodox Calendar is important because it marks the dates of important religious events and festivals that are celebrated by the Greek Orthodox community.

Q: Why does the Greek Orthodox Calendar begin on September 1st?

A: The Greek Orthodox Calendar begins on September 1st because this is the start of the ecclesiastical year for the Orthodox Church.

Q: What is the Blessing of the Waters?

A: The Blessing of the Waters is a traditional event that takes place during the celebration of Epiphany/Theophany. It involves the priest throwing a cross into the water and young men diving in to retrieve it.