The beginning of the Orthodox liturgical year on September 1st. Also called the Indiction, this feast marks the start of the annual cycle of feasts and fasts. Many Orthodox churches hold special services with prayers for the new year, blessing of schools, and remembrance of God's creation. It emphasizes new beginnings and spiritual renewal.

The sacrament of marriage, uniting a man and woman in lifelong union blessed by God. The Orthodox wedding service consists of two parts: the Betrothal (exchange of rings) and the Crowning (placement of crowns on the couple's heads). The crowns symbolize both the glory and martyrdom of marriage, as well as the couple's status as king and queen of their domestic church. The couple drinks from the common cup and processes around the analogion three times. Marriage is understood as an icon of Christ's union with the Church.

The celebration of the birth of the Virgin Mary to Saints Joachim and Anna. This feast, observed on September 8th, marks the beginning of our salvation history, as Mary's birth prepared the way for the Incarnation. The Church honors Mary as the bridge between the Old and New Testaments.

A service of remembrance for the departed, asking for God's mercy on their souls and offering prayers for their eternal rest. Often called Panikhida in Slavic traditions, these services may be held at funerals, on memorial days, or on the anniversary of death. The service expresses the Orthodox belief in the communion of saints and our ongoing prayer relationship with the departed.

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 Virgin Mary's miraculous appearance in Constantinople, when she spread her veil over the praying Christians to protect them from enemies. Celebrated on October 1st, this feast is especially beloved in Slavic Orthodox churches. It emphasizes the Theotokos's continuing intercession and protection of the faithful.