The soldier-saint of Thessalonica, martyred under Galerius around 306 AD. Celebrated on October 26th, Demetrius is patron of Thessalonica and soldiers. Myrrh flows from his relics, earning him the title 'Myrrh-Streamer.' He represents faithfulness unto death and divine protection of Christian communities.

The central worship service of the Orthodox Church, celebrating the Eucharist (Holy Communion). Usually celebrated on Sundays and feast days, the Divine Liturgy consists of the Liturgy of the Word (scripture readings) and Liturgy of the Faithful (Eucharistic prayer and communion). The most common forms are the Liturgies of St. John Chrysostom and St. Basil the Great.

A devotional service of praise consisting of hymns sung while standing ("akathist" means "not sitting"). The most famous is the Akathist to the Theotokos, traditionally sung during the fifth Friday of Great Lent. Akathists can honor Christ, the Theotokos, or various saints. These services are deeply moving expressions of Orthodox hymnography and devotion.

The evening prayer service of the Orthodox Church, traditionally celebrated at sunset. Vespers includes psalms, hymns, scripture readings, and incense. On Saturday evenings, Great Vespers is often combined with the Sunday Divine Liturgy. The service marks the end of the liturgical day and prepares the faithful for rest and reflection.

The first priest martyred by the Bolsheviks, shot while returning from church in 1917. Celebrated on October 31st, John served parishes in America before returning to Russia where he was killed for his faith. He was the first of thousands of clergy martyred during Communist persecution and represents the beginning of the New Martyrs period.

The sacrament of initiation into the Orthodox Church, through which a person is united with Christ in His death and resurrection. The baptismal candidate is immersed three times in water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, dying to sin and rising to new life in Christ. Baptism cleanses from original sin, grants adoption as God's child, and makes the person a member of the Body of Christ. In Orthodox practice, baptism is immediately followed by chrismation and first communion.

The commemoration of the Archangel Michael and all the bodiless powers (angels) on November 8th. This feast celebrates the angelic hierarchy and Michael's role as leader of God's army against evil. Orthodox tradition honors angels as God's messengers and guardians, with Michael being especially venerated as protector of the Church and individual Christians.

The Archbishop of Constantinople known as the 'Golden-Mouthed' for his eloquent preaching. Celebrated on November 13th, Chrysostom wrote the Divine Liturgy used most frequently in Orthodox churches. His biblical commentaries and moral teachings, along with his care for the poor, made him one of the greatest Church Fathers.

One of the twelve apostles, called directly by Jesus in Galilee. Celebrated on November 14th, Philip brought Nathanael to Christ and questioned Jesus about feeding the five thousand. He preached in Asia Minor and was martyred in Hierapolis. He represents thoughtful faith and bringing others to encounter Christ.

The 14th-century Archbishop of Thessalonica who defended hesychast spirituality and taught about the uncreated energies of God. Celebrated on the Second Sunday of Lent, Palamas developed theological foundations for mystical prayer and the Jesus Prayer tradition. His teachings on theosis (deification) are central to Orthodox spiritual life.

The celebration of Christ's birth in Bethlehem. The feast is preceded by a 40-day Nativity Fast and celebrated with the Divine Liturgy, special hymns like the Troparion of the Nativity, and the blessing of homes.

The tax collector called by Christ to be an apostle and evangelist. Celebrated on November 16th, Matthew wrote the Gospel that emphasizes Christ as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. His calling from the tax booth demonstrates God's grace in transforming lives. He's patron of accountants and tax collectors.

The presentation of the three-year-old Virgin Mary in the Temple by her parents, Saints Joachim and Anna. Celebrated on November 21st, this feast honors Mary's dedication to God and her preparation for her role as Theotokos. According to tradition, Mary was raised in the Temple until her betrothal to Joseph.

The 13th-century Prince of Novgorod who defended Russia against Western invaders while maintaining peace with the Mongols. Celebrated on November 23rd, Alexander won decisive battles against Swedish and Teutonic forces. He chose diplomacy over warfare when possible and protected Orthodox faith from Catholic pressure. He represents faithful leadership and defense of the Church.

A lengthy service combining Vespers and Matins, traditionally celebrated on the eve of Sundays and major feasts. The All-Night Vigil includes the singing of "Lord, I Call," the Magnificat, the Great Doxology, and numerous psalms and hymns. This service prepares the faithful spiritually for the upcoming feast.

A service of prayer and supplication for specific intentions, often requesting divine help or giving thanks. Molebens can be offered for various needs: healing, safe travel, blessing of homes, or thanksgiving for answered prayers. These services demonstrate the Orthodox understanding that all aspects of life can be brought before God in prayer and that divine help is available for every human need.

The first-called apostle and brother of Peter, who brought Peter to Christ. Celebrated on November 30th, Andrew is patron of Russia, Scotland, and Greece. According to tradition, he preached throughout Asia Minor and was crucified on an X-shaped cross, which bears his name. He represents the call to bring others to Christ.

The 8th-century landowner who gave away his wealth to help the poor and needy. Celebrated on December 1st, Philaret lived in Paphlagonia and was known for his extraordinary generosity, giving away everything including his own possessions to help others. His charity was so complete that his family sometimes went without, yet God always provided. He represents radical Christian generosity.

The virgin martyr who was killed by her own father for converting to Christianity. Celebrated on December 4th, Barbara is invoked against sudden death and is patron of miners and artillery. Her father was struck by lightning after her martyrdom. She represents faithfulness despite family opposition and protection from sudden death.

The Russian priest who served in America before returning to Russia where he was martyred by the Soviets. Celebrated on August 4th, Alexander worked to establish Orthodox parishes in America and defended traditional liturgical practices. He was shot in 1937 during Stalin's persecution of the Church. He represents the connection between American and Russian Orthodoxy.

The 5th-6th century Palestinian monk who organized monastic life in the Judean desert. Celebrated on December 5th, Sabbas founded the Great Laura near Jerusalem and established the Typikon still used in Orthodox monasteries. He defended Orthodox theology against heretics and represents the golden age of Palestinian monasticism.

The beloved 4th-century Archbishop of Myra, known for his generosity, miracles, and defense of Orthodox faith at the First Ecumenical Council. Celebrated on December 6th, St. Nicholas is patron of sailors, children, and the falsely accused. His popularity spans all Orthodox jurisdictions and he's remembered for secretly providing dowries for poor families.