Liturgical Cycles

> The Divine Liturgy

Liturgical Cycles

The liturgical cycle relives the life of Christ and the saints annually, centered on Pascha (Easter), and structured through periods of fasting and feasting.

It is composed of three interlocking cycles that together shape the rhythm of Orthodox worship throughout the year.

Fixed Cycle (Menaion)

The Fixed Cycle consists of daily commemorations assigned to fixed calendar dates and is contained in the Menaion. The Church year begins on September 1. Major feasts include the Nativity of Christ (December 25), Theophany (January 6), and other immovable celebrations.

Movable Cycle (Paschal Cycle)

The Movable Cycle is centered on Pascha and is calculated according to traditional Julian-based rules, with all Orthodox Churches celebrating Pascha on the same date. This cycle includes the pre-Lenten period (using the Triodion), Great Lent, Holy Week, and the Paschal season of joy extending through Pentecost and concluding with All Saints Sunday, using the Pentecostarion.

Weekly Cycle (Octoechos)

The Weekly Cycle is governed by the Octoechos, which organizes hymns into eight musical tones that rotate weekly. This cycle continues throughout the year, with adaptations during Lent and the Paschal season.

Old and New Calendar Usage

Orthodox Churches follow either the Old (Julian) Calendar or the New (Revised Julian) Calendar for fixed feasts.

  • Old (Julian) Calendar churches, such as the Russian, Serbian, and Jerusalem Patriarchates, celebrate fixed feasts thirteen days later than the Gregorian calendar (for example, Christmas on January 7 Gregorian).
  • New (Revised Julian) Calendar churches, such as the Greek and Romanian Churches, celebrate fixed feasts on the same dates as the Gregorian calendar (for example, Christmas on December 25).
  • The Movable Cycle is identical for all Orthodox Churches; Pascha and all dependent feasts are celebrated together regardless of calendar usage.