The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church follows a rich liturgical calendar that blends biblical events, ancient traditions, and seasonal rhythms. For parishioners in West Orange, understanding this calendar helps deepen spiritual practice and participation in church life.

Core Structure of the Calendar

The calendar is based on the Coptic year, which starts on Meskerem 1 (September 11 in the Gregorian calendar, September 12 in leap years). It divides the year into 13 months—12 months of 30 days and a short month, Paguemen, of 5 (or 6) days.

Major Seasons

• Advent (Tensae): 40 days of preparation before both Christmas (Genbot 29) and Easter (Fasika).
• Lent (Abiy Tsome): A 55‑day fasting period leading up to Easter, with heightened prayer and almsgiving.
• Feast of the Cross (Meskel): Celebrated on Meskerem 17, marked by the lighting of large bonfires.

Key Feasts to Remember

Below are the most celebrated dates for our congregation:

Gregorian Date	Ethiopian Date	Feast
January 7	Tahsas 29	Christmas (Genbot)
April 2 (2026)	Meskerem 23	Easter (Fasika)
September 27	Meskerem 17	Finding of the True Cross (Meskel)
December 25	Tahsas 20	Feast of St. Basil (Lesser Feasts)

How to Use the Calendar in Daily Life

• Prayer Schedule: Align your personal prayers with the Litany of the Hours, especially during fasting periods.
• Fasting Guidelines: During the 55‑day Great Lent, abstain from animal products and limit meals to two per day before noon.
• Community Participation: Mark the dates on the Google Calendar linked on our Events page to receive reminders.

Resources Available on Our Website

We provide several tools to help you stay on track:

• Live Stream Services for Holy Week and major feasts.
• Downloadable printable calendar (PDF) – bilingual English/Amharic.
• Weekly newsletter with fasting tips, recipes, and devotional reflections.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I miss a fast?

The church teaches repentance and spiritual renewal. Speak with a priest after the fast ends; you can make a small act of charity to compensate.

Can children participate?

Yes! Our youth ministry offers age‑appropriate explanations of each feast, and we host a “Kids’ Celebration” during major holidays.

By integrating the liturgical calendar into your routine, you connect more deeply with the historic faith of our ancestors while sharing that richness with family and friends in West Orange.