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Ordinary Time

Ecclesiastical New Year / Indiction

Also called: Beginning of the Church Year, September 1, Blessings of Water for the New Year

September 1 (fixed)

Eastern Orthodox

The Orthodox ecclesiastical year begins on September 1, a date historically linked to the Byzantine Empire's tax calendar and associated with the beginning of the agricultural cycle. A service is held blessing water and thanking God for the fruits of creation.

The across different churches Patriarch has designated September 1 as a day of prayer for the protection of the natural environment. It usually falls on or around September 1 (fixed).

It is especially important in Eastern Orthodox traditions. Browse Christian holidays — browse options on Eden.

At a glance

Type
feast
Date type
Fixed (same date every year)
Regions
Eastern Christianity
Themes
Creation, Covenant
Liturgical colour
N/A

Common questions

Ecclesiastical New Year is observed on September 1 (fixed). Moveable feasts shift each year; fixed feasts stay on the same calendar date.