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.

Brief prayer services traditionally celebrated at specific times of day: First Hour (6 AM), Third Hour (9 AM), Sixth Hour (noon), and Ninth Hour (3 PM). Each Hour includes psalms, troparia, and prayers appropriate to that time of day. These services sanctify the day and connect us to Christ's Passion, as they commemorate specific moments in His crucifixion and death.

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 morning prayer service of the Orthodox Church, traditionally celebrated at dawn. Also called Orthros in Greek tradition, this service includes the reading of the Gospel, the Great Doxology, and numerous psalms and hymns. Matins prepares the faithful for the day and is often celebrated immediately before the Divine Liturgy on Sundays and feast days.

A brief night prayer service traditionally celebrated at midnight, anticipating the coming of Christ as the Bridegroom. Also called Mesonyktikon, this service includes psalms that speak of watching and waiting for the Lord, particularly Psalms 50 and 118. The Midnight Office emphasizes spiritual vigilance and the need to be always ready for Christ's return. In monastic communities, it is celebrated between Compline and Matins. The service includes the Creed and often commemorates the departed.

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 brother physicians who provided free medical care and were martyred under Diocletian. Celebrated on November 1st, these 'Unmercenary Healers' treated both physical and spiritual ailments without accepting payment. They are patron saints of physicians and pharmacists. Their example shows how professional skills can be a form of Christian ministry and service.

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.

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 18th-century monk who translated the Philokalia and renewed Orthodox spiritual literature. Celebrated on November 15th, Paisius (Velichkovsky) collected and translated patristic texts on prayer and spirituality from Greek into Slavonic. His work made the treasures of Orthodox mystical theology available to Slavic peoples and influenced the Russian spiritual revival.

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 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 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.