In September, the Orthodox Church marks out several special solemn days. In addition to the great Twelve Great Feasts, Christians treat with special reverence the memory of the holy prophet John the Baptist, which is also remembered in September.
September 10th is marked in red on the Orthodox Church calendar. Moreover, this day is a strict fast. This is no coincidence, because it is on September 10 that the Church commemorates the beheading of John the Baptist. The holy prophet, who baptized Christ, suffered at the hands of King Herod because he denounced the wicked Herodias, who cohabited in a prodigal relationship with the king. During one feast at the royal palace, the daughter of Herodias (Solomiya) danced in front of Herod, which pleased the ruler. The king promised to fulfill any request of the girl. Solomiya asked her mother for advice on what to ask the king. Herodias wanted to receive the head of John the Baptist on a platter. The king, for the sake of his promise, went to this murder. He gave orders to cut off the head of the holy prophet. John the Baptist is revered by the Orthodox Church as the greatest saint who ever lived on earth.
In September, the Orthodox Church also commemorates two great Twelve Great Feasts.
So, on September 21, the Church celebrates the birthday of the Mother of God. The holiday is called the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos. This day was especially revered for the Russian people, since it is believed that Russia is one of the inheritances of the Mother of God.
September 27 is another red day of the church calendar, marked by fasting. On this day, in all Orthodox churches, services are held in honor of the Exaltation of the Honorable and Life-giving Cross of the Lord. The history of the holiday dates back to the 4th century, when Empress Helena (mother of the Tsar of Constantinople Constantine) found the cross on which Christ was crucified in Jerusalem. On September 27, in Constantinople, at a huge gathering of the people, the Savior's cross was erected for the worship of believers. On this day, the Church also remembers the suffering of Christ. That is why the Orthodox charter prescribes strict fasting on September 27th.
In addition to these major holidays, there are other church celebrations in September. For example, September 14 is the beginning of the church year (New Years), September 19 is the memory of the Archangel Michael (his miracle in Khonekh is remembered), and on September 30 the Church celebrates the day of memory of the martyrs Faith, Hope, Love and their mother Sophia.
All church holidays are in the new style
