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The Liturgical Tapestry

An academic exploration of the Episcopal Church's liturgical calendar, detailing its saints, observances, and historical evolution.

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Significance

Official Framework

The Calendar of the Church Year, as codified in the 1979 Book of Common Prayer and expanded upon in publications like Lesser Feasts and Fasts, serves as the authoritative liturgical calendar for The Episcopal Church in the United States. It provides the structure for the church's devotional life throughout the year.

Anglican Communion Context

While each province within the Anglican Communion maintains its own calendar, there is significant borrowing and influence between them. The Episcopal Church's calendar reflects figures and events particularly relevant to its history and context in the United States, while also acknowledging figures of broader Christian significance. This shared tradition fosters a sense of unity across diverse Anglican expressions.

Veneration of Saints

The calendar's inclusion of saints' days continues an ancient Christian tradition of honoring influential figures in the faith. This practice aligns with the Episcopal belief in the communion of saints, recognizing the interconnectedness of believers, both living and departed, and providing models for spiritual life and devotion.

Historical Evolution

Early American Practice

Following its separation from the Church of England, the Episcopal Church adopted a new Book of Common Prayer in 1790. This initial calendar was notably concise, listing only 25 holy days, primarily focused on New Testament persons and events. It notably omitted commemorations present in the English prayer book, such as those for King Charles the Martyr, and introduced a feast for "Civil and Religious Liberty" on July 4th.

20th Century Revisions

The 20th century saw significant efforts to expand the calendar. Prayer Book Studies in the mid-century proposed numerous new feasts. The publication of Lesser Feasts and Fasts in 1964 marked the introduction of "trial use" observances, a practice continued through subsequent editions. The 1980 edition of Lesser Feasts and Fasts saw the first final approval of new calendar entries.

  • 1957: Prayer Book Study IX proposed over 80 new feasts.
  • 1964: First edition of Lesser Feasts and Fasts introduced "trial use" observances.
  • 1973: Second edition of Lesser Feasts and Fasts added more feasts for trial use.
  • 1980: First Lesser Feasts and Fasts calendar received final approval.
  • Ongoing Revisions: General Conventions regularly reviewed and approved new feast day proposals.

21st Century Expansion

The 21st century has seen a concerted effort to increase the diversity of the liturgical calendar. The Holy Women, Holy Men volume (2010) introduced over 100 new commemorations, though it was never given final approval. More recently, the 2018 and 2022 General Conventions authorized significant additions, including a greater representation of women and lay figures, reflecting a broader understanding of the church's heritage.

  • 2018: Lesser Feasts and Fasts (2018) approved for trial use, aiming for greater diversity.
  • 2022: Final authorization granted to over 90 feasts from the 2018 trial use calendar.
  • 2024: Finalized three new feasts and removed one, continuing the calendar's dynamic nature.

Structure and Precedence

Ranking of Observances

The Episcopal Church's calendar employs a system of precedence to determine which observance takes priority when multiple occur on the same day. This hierarchy ensures that the most significant events and figures are appropriately honored.

  1. Principal Feasts
  2. Feasts of Our Lord (Presentation, Transfiguration, Holy Name)
  3. Sundays
  4. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday
  5. Other Feasts of Our Lord
  6. Other Major Feasts
  7. Weekdays of Lent
  8. Minor Feasts

Lesser Feasts and Fasts provides further rules for determining precedence.

Days of Fasting and Prayer

Specific days are designated for fasting and prayer, often with special services. These include the major fast days of Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Additionally, weekdays in Lent and all Fridays (except during Easter and Christmas seasons or on Feasts of Our Lord) are observed as lesser fast days, though the specific manner of observance is not prescribed.

Baptismal Feasts

Certain days are particularly designated for the celebration of Baptism, reflecting its significance as a sacrament. These include the Great Vigil of Easter, Pentecost, All Saints' Day, and The Baptism of Our Lord. It is preferred that baptisms be reserved for these occasions when possible.

Key Observances

Movable Days

These observances shift annually based on the date of Easter, forming the core of the liturgical year's rhythm.

  • Ash Wednesday
  • Good Friday
  • EASTER DAY
  • ASCENSION DAY
  • DAY OF PENTECOST
  • TRINITY SUNDAY
  • The First Book of Common Prayer, 1549 (observed on a weekday following Pentecost)

Additionally, every Sunday is observed as a "feast of our Lord." Thanksgiving Day, observed on the fourth Thursday of November in the US, is also a feast day.

Fixed Dates

The calendar includes numerous fixed dates commemorating saints and significant events. These are organized month by month, providing a rich tapestry of Christian history and spirituality.

The calendar lists observances for each month, from January to December, including major feasts, feasts of our Lord, and minor feasts. For example:

  • January: Includes The Holy Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ (Jan 1), THE EPIPHANY (Jan 6), and The Confession of Saint Peter (Jan 18).
  • February: Features The Presentation of Our Lord (Feb 2) and Saint Matthias the Apostle (Feb 24).
  • March: Highlights Saint Joseph (Mar 19) and The Annunciation of Our Lord (Mar 25).
  • April: Commemorates figures like Martin Luther King Jr. (Apr 4) and Saint Mark the Evangelist (Apr 25).
  • May: Includes Saint Philip and Saint James (May 1), The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (May 31).
  • June: Features Saint Barnabas the Apostle (Jun 11) and The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist (Jun 24).
  • July: Marks Independence Day (Jul 4), Saint Mary Magdalene (Jul 22), and Saint James the Apostle (Jul 25).
  • August: Includes The Transfiguration of Our Lord (Aug 6), Saint Mary the Virgin (Aug 15), and Saint Bartholomew the Apostle (Aug 24).
  • September: Features Holy Cross Day (Sep 14) and Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist (Sep 21).
  • October: Includes Saint Luke the Evangelist (Oct 18) and Saint Simon and Saint Jude (Oct 28).
  • November: Highlights ALL SAINTS (Nov 1), Commemoration of All Faithful Departed (Nov 2), and Saint Andrew the Apostle (Nov 30).
  • December: Features THE NATIVITY OF JESUS CHRIST (Dec 25), Saint Stephen, Deacon and Martyr (Dec 26), Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist (Dec 27), and The Holy Innocents (Dec 28).

Monthly Observances

Movable Days

These significant feasts shift annually, their dates determined by the calculation of Easter.

  • Ash Wednesday
  • Good Friday
  • EASTER DAY
  • ASCENSION DAY
  • DAY OF PENTECOST
  • TRINITY SUNDAY
  • The First Book of Common Prayer, 1549

Additionally, all Sundays are observed as "Feasts of Our Lord," and Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November) is also celebrated.

January

Commemorations include The Holy Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ (Jan 1), THE EPIPHANY (Jan 6), and various saints like Elizabeth Ann Seton (Jan 4) and Antony of Egypt (Jan 17).

  • 1 The Holy Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ
  • 4 Elizabeth Ann Seton, Monastic and Educator, 1821
  • 5 Sarah, Theodora, and Syncletica of Egypt, Desert Mothers, 4th–5th century
  • 6 THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
  • 8 Harriet Bedell, Deaconess and Missionary, 1969
  • 9 Julia Chester Emery, Missionary, 1922
  • 10 William Laud, Archbishop of Canterbury, 1645
  • 12 Aelred, Abbot of Rievaulx, 1167
  • 13 Hilary of Poitiers, Bishop, 367
  • 16 Richard Meux Benson, Priest, 1915, and Charles Gore, Bishop, 1932
  • 17 Antony of Egypt, Monastic, 356
  • 18 The Confession of Saint Peter the Apostle
  • 19 Wulfstan of Worcester, Bishop, 1095
  • 20 Fabian, Bishop and Martyr of Rome, 250
  • 21 Agnes and Cecilia of Rome, Martyrs, c.251, c.230
  • 22 Vincent of Saragossa, Deacon and Martyr, 304
  • 23 Phillips Brooks, Bishop, 1893
  • 24 Florence Li Tim-Oi, Priest, 1944
  • 25 The Conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle
  • 26 Timothy, Titus, Companions of Saint Paul
  • 27 John Chrysostom, Bishop and Theologian, 407
  • 28 Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Friar, 1274
  • 31 Marcella of Rome, Monastic and Scholar, 410

February

Key observances include The Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple (Feb 2) and Saint Matthias the Apostle (Feb 24), alongside figures like Brigid of Kildare (Feb 1) and Janani Luwum (Feb 17).

  • 1 Brigid of Kildare, Monastic, 523
  • 2 The Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple
  • 3 Anskar, Bishop and Missionary, 865
  • 4 Manche Masemola, Martyr, 1928; Cornelius the Centurion
  • 5 Agatha of Sicily, Martyr, c.251; The Martyrs of Japan, 1597
  • 8 Bakhita (Josephine Margaret Bakhita), Monastic and Prophetic Witness, 1947
  • 10 Scholastica, Monastic, 543
  • 11 Theodora, Empress, c.867
  • 13 Absalom Jones, Priest, 1818
  • 14 Cyril and Methodius, Missionaries, 869, 885
  • 15 Thomas Bray, Priest and Missionary, 1730
  • 17 Janani Luwum, Archbishop and Martyr, 1977
  • 18 Martin Luther, Pastor and Church Reformer, 1546
  • 19 Agnes Tsao Kou Ying, Agatha Lin Zhao, and Lucy Yi Zhenmei, Catechists and Martyrs, 1856, 1858, 1862
  • 20 Frederick Douglass, Prophetic Witness, 1895
  • 22 Margaret of Cortona, Monastic, 1297
  • 23 Polycarp of Smyrna, Bishop and Martyr, 156
  • 24 Saint Matthias the Apostle
  • 25 Emily Malbone Morgan, Prophetic Witness, 1937
  • 26 Photini, The Samaritan Woman, c.67
  • 27 George Herbert, Priest, 1633
  • 28 Anna Julia Haywood Cooper, Educator, 1964

March

Notable observances include Saint Joseph (Mar 19) and The Annunciation of Our Lord Jesus Christ to the Blessed Virgin Mary (Mar 25), alongside figures like John Wesley (Mar 3) and Harriet Tubman (Mar 10).

  • 1 David of Wales, Bishop, c. 544
  • 2 Chad of Lichfield, Bishop, 672
  • 3 John and Charles Wesley, Priests, 1791, 1788
  • 7 Perpetua and Felicity, Martyrs, 203
  • 9 Gregory of Nyssa, Bishop, c. 394
  • 10 Harriet Ross Tubman, Social Reformer, 1913
  • 12 Gregory the Great, Bishop and Theologian, 604
  • 13 James Theodore Holly, Bishop of Haiti and Dominican Republic, 1911
  • 15 Vincent de Paul, Priest, and Louise de Marillac, Workers of Charity, 1660
  • 17 Patrick of Ireland, Bishop and Missionary, 461
  • 18 Cyril of Jerusalem, Bishop and Theologian, 386
  • 19 Saint Joseph
  • 20 Cuthbert, Bishop, 687
  • 21 Thomas Ken, Bishop, 1711
  • 22 James De Koven, Priest, 1879
  • 23 Gregory the Illuminator, Bishop and Missionary of Armenia, c. 332
  • 24 Óscar Romero, Archbishop of San Salvador, 1980, and the Martyrs of El Salvador
  • 25 The Annunciation of Our Lord Jesus Christ to the Blessed Virgin Mary
  • 26 Harriet Monsell, Monastic, 1883
  • 27 Charles Henry Brent, Bishop, 1929
  • 28 James Solomon Russell, Priest, 1935
  • 29 John Keble, Priest, 1866
  • 31 John Donne, Priest and Poet, 1631

April

This month includes commemorations such as Martin Luther King Jr. (Apr 4), Saint Mark the Evangelist (Apr 25), and figures like Toyohiko Kagawa (Apr 23).

  • 1 Frederick Denison Maurice, Priest, 1872
  • 2 James Lloyd Breck, Priest, 1876
  • 3 Richard of Chichester, Bishop, 1253; Mary of Egypt, Hermit and Penitent, c.421
  • 4 Martin Luther King Jr., Pastor, Civil Rights Leader, 1968
  • 5 Harriet Starr Cannon, Monastic, 1896
  • 7 Tikhon, Bishop and Ecumenist, 1925
  • 8 William Augustus Muhlenberg, Priest, 1877
  • 9 Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Pastor and Theologian, 1945
  • 10 William Law, Priest, 1761
  • 11 George Augustus Selwyn, Bishop, 1878
  • 14 Zenaida, Philonella, and Hermione, Unmercenary Physicians, c.100, c.117
  • 15 Damien, Priest and Leper, 1889, and Marianne Cope, Monastic, 1918
  • 16 Peter William Cassey, Priest, 1917 and Annie Besant Cassey, 1875
  • 17 Kateri Tekakwitha, Prophetic Witness, 1680
  • 18 Juana Inés de la Cruz, Monastic and Theologian, 1695
  • 19 Alphege, Archbishop of Canterbury, and Martyr, 1012
  • 21 Anselm, Archbishop of Canterbury, 1109
  • 22 Hadewijch of Brabant, Poet and Mystic, 13th century
  • 23 Toyohiko Kagawa, Prophetic Witness, 1960
  • 25 Saint Mark the Evangelist
  • 27 Zita of Tuscany, Worker of Charity, 1271
  • 29 Catherine of Siena, Mystic and Prophetic Witness, 1380

May

This month features Saint Philip and Saint James (May 1), The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (May 31), and notable figures like Monica of Hippo (May 4) and Thurgood Marshall (May 17).

  • 1 Saint Philip and Saint James, Apostles
  • 2 Athanasius of Alexandria, Bishop and Theologian, 373
  • 3 Elisabeth Cruciger, Poet and Hymnographer, 1535
  • 4 Monica of Hippo, Mother of Augustine of Hippo, 387
  • 5 Martyrs of the Reformation Era
  • 8 Julian of Norwich, Mystic and Theologian, c.1417
  • 9 Gregory of Nazianzus, Bishop of Constantinople, 389
  • 11 Johann Arndt and Jacob Boehme, Mystics, 1621 and 1624
  • 13 Frances Perkins, Social Reformer, 1965
  • 15 Pachomius of Tabenissi, Monastic, 348
  • 17 Thurgood Marshall, Public Servant, Lawyer and Jurist, 1993
  • 19 Dunstan, Archbishop of Canterbury, 988
  • 20 Alcuin of York, Deacon and Abbot, 804
  • 21 Lydia of Thyatira, Coworker of the Apostle Paul
  • 22 Helena of Constantinople, Protector of the Holy Places, 330
  • 24 Jackson Kemper, First Missionary Bishop in the United States, 1870
  • 25 Bede, Priest and Historian, 735
  • 26 Augustine of Canterbury, First Archbishop of Canterbury, 605
  • 28 Mechthild of Magdeburg, Mystic, c.1282
  • 31 The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

June

Key observances include Saint Barnabas the Apostle (Jun 11), The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist (Jun 24), and figures like Justin Martyr (Jun 1) and Evelyn Underhill (Jun 15).

  • 1 Justin, Martyr, c. 167
  • 2 Blandina and Her Companions, The Martyrs of Lyons, 177
  • 3 The Martyrs of Uganda, 1886
  • 4 Pope John XXIII, Bishop and Church Reformer, 1963
  • 5 Boniface, Archbishop of Mainz, Missionary to Germany, and Martyr, 754
  • 8 Melania the Elder, Monastic, 410
  • 9 Columba of Iona, Monastic, 597
  • 10 Ephrem of Nisibis, Deacon and Poet, 373
  • 11 Saint Barnabas the Apostle
  • 12 Enmegahbowh, Priest and Missionary, 1902
  • 14 Basil of Caesarea, Bishop and Theologian, 379
  • 15 Evelyn Underhill, Theologian and Mystic, 1941
  • 16 Joseph Butler, Bishop and Theologian, 1752
  • 17 Marina the Monk, Monastic, 5th century
  • 18 Bernard Mizeki, Martyr, 1896
  • 19 Adelaide Teague Case, Educator, 1948
  • 22 Alban, Martyr, c. 304
  • 24 The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist
  • 26 Isabel Florence Hapgood, Ecumenist, 1929
  • 28 Irenaeus of Lyons, Bishop and Theologian, c. 202
  • 29 Saint Peter and Saint Paul, Apostles

July

This month includes Independence Day (Jul 4), Saint Mary Magdalene (Jul 22), and Saint James the Apostle (Jul 25), alongside figures like Pauli Murray (Jul 1) and Priscilla and Aquila (Jul 8).

  • 1 Pauli Murray, Priest, 1985
  • 2 Moses the Black, Monastic and Martyr, c.400
  • 4 Independence Day
  • 6 Eva Lee Matthews, Monastic, 1928
  • 8 Priscilla and Aquila, Coworkers of the Apostle Paul
  • 11 Benedict of Nursia, Monastic, 543
  • 14 Argula von Grumbach, Scholar and Church Reformer, c.1554
  • 17 William White, Bishop, 1836
  • 19 Macrina of Caesarea, Monastic and Teacher, 379
  • 20 Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Amelia Bloomer, Sojourner Truth, and Harriet Ross Tubman, Social Reformers
  • 21 Maria Skobtsova, Monastic and Martyr, 1945
  • 22 Saint Mary Magdalene
  • 23 John Cassian, Monastic and Theologian, 435
  • 24 Thomas a Kempis, Priest, 1471
  • 25 Saint James the Apostle
  • 26 The Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Anne and Joachim)
  • 27 William Reed Huntington, Priest, 1909
  • 28 Johann Sebastian Bach, Composer, 1750
  • 29 Mary and Martha of Bethany; First Ordination of Women to the Priesthood in The Episcopal Church, 1974
  • 30 William Wilberforce, Social Reformer, 1833
  • 31 Ignatius of Loyola, Priest and Spiritual Writer, 1556

August

Key dates include The Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ (Aug 6), Saint Mary the Virgin (Aug 15), and Saint Bartholomew the Apostle (Aug 24), alongside figures like John Mason Neale (Aug 7) and Florence Nightingale (Aug 12).

  • 1 Joseph of Arimathaea
  • 3 Joanna, Mary, and Salome, Myrrh-bearing Women
  • 6 The Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ
  • 7 John Mason Neale, Priest and Hymnographer, 1866
  • 8 Dominic, Priest and Friar, 1221
  • 9 Edith Stein (Teresa Benedicta of the Cross), Philosopher, Monastic, and Martyr, 1942
  • 10 Laurence of Rome, Deacon, and Martyr, 258
  • 11 Clare of Assisi, Monastic, 1253
  • 12 Florence Nightingale, Nurse, Social Reformer, 1910
  • 13 Jeremy Taylor, Bishop and Theologian, 1667
  • 14 Jonathan Myrick Daniels, Martyr, 1965
  • 15 Saint Mary the Virgin, Mother of Our Lord Jesus Christ
  • 20 Bernard of Clairvaux, Monastic and Theologian, 1153
  • 24 Saint Bartholomew the Apostle
  • 25 Louis, King of France, 1270
  • 26 Thomas Gallaudet and Henry Winter Syle, Priests, 1902 and 1890
  • 28 Augustine of Hippo, Bishop and Theologian, 430
  • 29 The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist
  • 30 Margaret Ward, Margaret Clitherow, and Anne Line, Martyrs, 1588, 1586, 1601
  • 31 Aidan of Lindisfarne, Bishop, 651

September

This month features Holy Cross Day (Sep 14), Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist (Sep 21), and figures like David Pendleton Oakerhater (Sep 1) and Hildegard of Bingen (Sep 17).

  • 1 David Pendleton Oakerhater, Deacon, 1931
  • 2 The Martyrs of New Guinea, 1942
  • 3 Phoebe, Deacon
  • 4 Paul Jones, Bishop, 1941
  • 5 Katharina Zell, Church Reformer and Writer, 1562
  • 6 Hannah More, Religious Writer and Philanthropist, 1833
  • 7 Kassiani, Poet and Hymnographer, 865
  • 8 The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
  • 9 Constance, Thecla, Ruth, Frances, Charles Parsons, and Louis Schuyler, Martyrs, 1878
  • 10 Alexander Crummell, Priest, 1898
  • 12 John Henry Hobart, Bishop of New York, 1830
  • 13 Cyprian, Bishop and Martyr of Carthage, 258
  • 14 Holy Cross Day
  • 15 Catherine of Genoa, Mystic and Scholar, 1510
  • 16 Ninian, Bishop, c. 430
  • 17 Hildegard of Bingen, Mystic and Scholar, 1179
  • 18 Edward Bouverie Pusey, Priest, 1882
  • 19 Theodore of Tarsus, Archbishop of Canterbury, 690
  • 20 John Coleridge Patteson, Bishop of Melanesia, and his Companions, Martyrs, 1871
  • 21 Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist
  • 22 Philander Chase, Bishop, 1852
  • 23 Thecla of Iconium, Proto-Martyr among Women, c.70
  • 24 Anna Ellison Butler Alexander, Deaconess and Teacher, 1947
  • 25 Sergius of Radonezh, Monastic, 1392
  • 26 Lancelot Andrewes, Bishop, 1626
  • 27 Euphrosyne/Smaragdus of Alexandria, Monastic, 5th century
  • 28 Paula and Eustochium of Rome, Monastics and Scholars, 404 and c.419
  • 29 Saint Michael and All Angels
  • 30 Jerome, Priest, and Scholar, 420

October

Key observances include Saint Luke the Evangelist (Oct 18) and Saint Simon and Saint Jude (Oct 28), alongside figures like Francis of Assisi (Oct 4) and Teresa of Ávila (Oct 15).

  • 1 Remigius, Bishop of Rheims, c. 530; Therese of Lisieux, Monastic, 1898
  • 3 John Raleigh Mott, Ecumenist and Missionary, 1955
  • 4 Francis of Assisi, Friar and Deacon, 1226
  • 6 William Tyndale, Priest, 1536
  • 7 Birgitta of Sweden, Mystic and Prophetic Witness, 1373
  • 9 Robert Grosseteste, Bishop of Lincoln, 1253
  • 10 Vida Dutton Scudder, Educator and Witness for Peace, 1954
  • 11 Philip, Deacon and Evangelist
  • 12 Edith Cavell, Nurse, 1915
  • 14 Zenaida, Philonella, and Hermione, Unmercenary Physicians, c.100, c.117
  • 15 Teresa of Ávila, Mystic and Monastic Reformer, 1582
  • 16 Hugh Latimer and Nicholas Ridley, Bishops and Martyrs, 1555; Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury, 1556
  • 17 Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr, c. 115
  • 18 Saint Luke the Evangelist
  • 19 Henry Martyn, Priest, and Missionary, 1812
  • 23 Saint James of Jerusalem, Brother of our Lord Jesus Christ, and Martyr, c. 62
  • 25 Tabitha (Dorcas) of Joppa
  • 26 Alfred, King, 899
  • 28 Saint Simon and Saint Jude, Apostles
  • 29 James Hannington, Bishop of Eastern Equatorial Africa, and his Companions, Martyrs, 1885
  • 30 Maryam of Qidun, Monastic, 4th century

November

This month includes ALL SAINTS (Nov 1), Commemoration of All Faithful Departed (Nov 2), and Saint Andrew the Apostle (Nov 30), featuring figures like William Temple (Nov 6) and Martin of Tours (Nov 11).

  • 1 ALL SAINTS
  • 2 Commemoration of All Faithful Departed
  • 3 Richard Hooker, Priest, 1600
  • 6 William Temple, Archbishop of Canterbury, 1944
  • 7 Willibrord, Archbishop of Utrecht, Missionary to Frisia, 739
  • 8 Ammonius, Hermit, 4th century
  • 9 Richard Rolle, Walter Hilton & Margery Kempe, Mystics, 1349, 1396, & c.1440
  • 10 Leo of Rome, Bishop of Rome, 461
  • 11 Martin of Tours, Bishop, 397
  • 12 Charles Simeon, Priest, 1836
  • 14 The Consecration of Samuel Seabury, 1784
  • 15 Herman of Alaska, Missionary, 1837
  • 16 Margaret of Scotland, Queen, 1093
  • 17 Hugh of Lincoln, Bishop, 1200
  • 18 Hilda of Whitby, Abbess, 680
  • 19 Elizabeth of Hungary, Princess, 1231
  • 20 Edmund, King, 870
  • 21 Mechthilde of Hackeborn and Gertrude the Great, Mystics, 1298 and 1302
  • 22 Clive Staples Lewis, Apologist and spiritual writer, 1963
  • 23 Clement of Rome, Bishop, c. 100
  • 24 Catherine of Alexandria, Barbara of Nicomedia, and Margaret of Antioch, Martyrs c.305
  • 25 James Otis Sargent Huntington, Monastic and Priest, 1935
  • 28 Kamehameha and Emma, King and Queen, 1864, 1885
  • 30 Saint Andrew the Apostle

December

This month culminates with THE NATIVITY OF JESUS CHRIST (Dec 25), followed by Saint Stephen (Dec 26), Saint John (Dec 27), and The Holy Innocents (Dec 28). Other figures include Francis Xavier (Dec 3) and Ambrose of Milan (Dec 7).

  • 1 Nicholas Ferrar, Deacon, 1637; Charles de Foucauld, Monastic and Martyr, 1916
  • 2 Channing Moore Williams, Missionary Bishop in China and Japan, 1910
  • 3 Francis Xavier, Priest and Missionary, 1552
  • 4 John of Damascus, Priest and Theologian, c. 760
  • 5 Clement of Alexandria, Priest and Theologian, c. 210
  • 6 Nicholas of Myra, Bishop, c. 342
  • 7 Ambrose of Milan, Bishop and Theologian, 397
  • 12 Francis de Sales, Bishop, and Jane de Chantal, Vowed Religious, 1622 and 1641
  • 13 Lucy of Syracuse, Martyr, 304
  • 14 John of the Cross, Mystic and Monastic Reformer, 1591
  • 15 Nino of Georgia, Missionary, c.332
  • 17 Dorothy L. Sayers, Apologist and Spiritual Writer, 1957
  • 20 Katharina von Bora, Church Reformer, 1552
  • 21 Saint Thomas the Apostle
  • 25 THE NATIVITY OF JESUS CHRIST
  • 26 Saint Stephen, Deacon and Martyr
  • 27 Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist
  • 28 The Holy Innocents
  • 29 Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, 1170
  • 31 Frances Joseph-Gaudet, Educator and Prison Reformer, 1934

Trial Use & Revisions

Current Trial Observances

The General Convention periodically authorizes new feasts for "trial use," allowing the church to evaluate them before potential permanent inclusion. The 2024 Convention authorized four new feasts for trial use.

  • Liliʻuokalani of Hawaiʻi, Jan. 29
  • George of Lydda, May 6
  • Élie Neau, Sept. 7
  • Adeline Blanchard Tyler and her Companions, Nov. 4

Date Adjustments

In addition to new feasts, the 2024 Convention also authorized trial use of new dates for seven existing feasts, reflecting ongoing efforts to refine the calendar's structure and accessibility.

  • Cornelius the Centurion: Moved from Feb. 4 to Oct. 20
  • The Martyrs of Japan: Moved from Feb. 5 to Feb. 6
  • Theodora: Moved from Feb. 11 to Feb. 12
  • Mary of Egypt: Moved from Apr. 3 to Mar. 30
  • Remigius of Rheims: Moved from Oct. 1 to Oct. 2
  • Nicholas Ferrar: Moved from Dec. 1 to Dec. 8
  • First Book of Common Prayer Feast: Fixed to June 13

Calendar Deletions

The 2024 General Convention also finalized the removal of William Porcher DuBose from the calendar, indicating the dynamic nature of liturgical calendars and the ongoing process of review and adaptation.

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References

References

  1.  A Great Cloud of Witnesses
A full list of references for this article are available at the The Calendar of the Church Year Wikipedia page

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Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice

This document has been generated by an AI, drawing upon publicly available data from Wikipedia. It is intended for academic and informational purposes, providing an overview of the Episcopal Church's liturgical calendar. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source material, the content may not be exhaustive or entirely up-to-date.

This is not theological or pastoral advice. The information presented here should not substitute consultation with clergy, official church documents, or theological scholarship. The interpretation and application of liturgical calendars can vary, and this resource is meant to supplement, not replace, established guidance.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.