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January 2026

Fasting Guidelines:
On days designated strict fast we abstain from dairy products, meat, fish, oil and wine. Some seafoods, e.g. squid, crab, roe and prawn, are permitted.

Readings in bold type are those appointed by the Typikon for use at the Liturgy

Thursday 1st January 2026

Liturgy of St Basil

Circumcision of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; Basil the Great, Archbishop of Cæsarea in Cappadocia
Commemorations:
St. Gregory, bishop of Nazianzus, father of St. Gregory the Theologian (4th C). Holy martyr Basil of Ancyra (362). New martyr Peter of The Peloponnese. Holy martyr Theodotos. St. Theodosius of Tryglia, abbot. St. Almachius (391). St. Fulgentius, bishop of Ruspe in North Africa (533).
British Isles and Ireland:
St. Maelrhys of the Isle of Bardsey (6th C). SS Elvan and Mydwyn, missionaries of Britain (2nd C). St. Beoc, abbot of Lough Derg (5th C). St. Connat, abbess of Kildare (590). St. Cuan (6th C). St. Fanchea, abbess of Rossory (585). St. Ernan mac Eoghan (c.640).
Readings:
Hebrews 10:35-11:7; Mark 11:27-33
For the Commemoration: Colossians 2:8-12; Luke 2:20-21, 40-52

Friday 2nd January 2026

Fast free

Forefeast of the Theophany
Commemorations:
St. Sylvester, pope of Rome (335). St. Cosmas of Constantinople (1081). Repose (1833) and Second Uncovering of the Relics (1991) of St. Seraphim, Wonderworker of Sarov. Righteous Juliana of Lazarevsk (1604). St. Theodata, mother of the first SS Cosmas and Damian (3rd C). Hieromartyr Theogenes, bishop of Parium on the Hellespont (c.320). New Martyr George the Georgian (1770)
British Isles and Ireland:
St. Seiriol of Wales (6th C).
Readings:
Hebrews 11:8-16; Mark 12:1-12

Saturday 3rd January 2026

Saturday before the Theophany
Forefeast of the Theophany
Commemorations:
Righteous Prophet Malachi (400 BC). Holy Martyr Gordius at Caesarea in Cappadocia (314). St. Geneviève of Paris (502). St. Peter of Atroa (837). St. Thomais of Lesbos (10th C). Finding of the relics of Monk-Martyr Ephraim of Nea Makri, in 1950
British Isles and Ireland:
St. Hywyn, companion of St. Cadfan in Cornwall. (6th C). St. Finlugh (Finlag) (6th C). St. Fintan (6th C). SS Fugatius and Damian (2nd C). St. Wenog.
Readings:
1 Timothy 3:13-4:5; Matthew 3:1-6

Sunday 4th January 2026

Tone 5 - Eothinon 8

Sunday before the Theophany
Forefeast of the Theophany
Commemorations:
Synaxis of the Seventy Apostles. Holy martyrs abbot Euthymius and twelve monks of Vatopedi Monastery (1276). St. Euthymius the New of Thessalonica, monk (886). St. Theoctistus, abbot of Cuocomo in Sicily (800). New Martyr Onuphrius Manassias the deacon of Chilandar Monastery, Mt. Athos (1818). Repose of St. Eustathius I, archbishop of Serbia (c.1285). Holy martyrs Zosimas the Hermit, and Athanasius the Commentarisius, anchorites of Cilicia (4th C). Holy martyrs Chrysantha and Euphemia.
Readings:
2 Timothy 4:5-8; Mark 1:1-8

Monday 5th January 2026

Fast day: strict fast
Liturgy of St Basil

Eve of the Theophany of our Lord
Commemorations:
Hieromartyr Theopemptus, bishop of Nicomedia, and Martyr Theonas (303). St. Syncletica of Alexandria (350). Righteous Prophet Micah (800 BC). Virgin Apollinaria of Egypt (470). SS Phosterius the Hermit and Menas of Sinai (6th C). St. Gregory of Crete, monk (820). New Monk-martyr Romanus of Carpenision, who suffered at Constantinople (1694)
British Isles and Ireland:
St. Ruman of Ireland (5th C). St. Cera, abbess (7th C ). St. Kiara (Chier) (c.680).
Readings:
Hebrews 11:17-31; Mark 12:13-17
For the Commemoration: 1 Corinthians 9:19-27; Luke 3:1-18

Tuesday 6th January 2026

Theophany of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ
Commemorations:
Venerable Makarios Makris of Vatopedi Monastery on Mt. Athos and Pantocratoros Monastery in Constantinople. New Hieromartyr Romanus of Lacedæmonia (1695)
British Isles and Ireland:
St. Edeyrn (6th C). St. Eigrad (6th C). St. Merryn (6th C). St. Diman (658). St. Schotin (6th C). St. Peter, abbot of Canterbury (c.607).
Readings:
Titus 2:11-14,3:4-7; Matthew 3:13-17

Wednesday 7th January 2026

Fast day: wine and oil allowed

Synaxis of the Forerunner and Baptist John
Afterfeast of The Theophany
Commemorations:
New Martyr Athanasius of Attalia and Smyrna (1700)
British Isles and Ireland:
St. Brannock of Braunton (6th C). St. Cedd of Lastingham, bishop of the East Saxons (664). St. Cronan Beg, bishop of Aendrum (7th C). St. Kentigerna, mother of St. Foellan (734).
Readings:
James 1:1-18; Mark 12:28-37
For the Commemoration: Acts 19:1-8; John 1:29-34

Thursday 8th January 2026

Afterfeast of The Theophany
Commemorations:
St. George the Chozebite, abbot (7th C). Righteous Prophet Shemaiah (10th C. BC). St. Domnica of Constantinople (c.474). SS Atticus (425) and Cyrus (714), patriarchs of Constantinople. Venerable Gregory, Wonderworker of the Kievan Caves (1093). St. Agatho of Egypt, monk (4th C). St. Emilian the Confessor, bishop of Cyzicus (9th C). Holy martyr Abo the Perfumer of Baghdad, who suffered at Tbilisi, Georgia (786). New-Martyr Kyran. Holy martyr Theophilos the deacon, and Helladius, of Libya (4th C)
British Isles and Ireland:
St. Ergnad of Ulster (5th C). St. Albert of Cashel (7th C). St. Pega, anchoress in Northamptonshire (c.719). St. Athelhelm, 20th archbishop of Canterbury (923). St. Wulsin, bishop of Sherborne (1002).
Readings:
James 1:19-27; Mark 12:38-44

Friday 9th January 2026

Fast day: strict fast

Afterfeast of The Theophany
Commemorations:
Holy martyr Polyeuctus of Melitene in Armenia (259). Hieromartyr Philip, metropolitan of Moscow and All Russia (1569). St. Peter, bishop of Sebaste in Armenia (4th C). St. Eustratius the Wonderworker (9th C). New Martyr Parthena of Edessa in Macedonia (1375)
British Isles and Ireland:
St. Adrian of Canterbury, abbot and scholar (710). St. Berhtwald, 8th archbishop of Canterbury (731). St. Foellan of Strathfillan (8th C).
Readings:
James 2:1-13; Mark 13:1-8

Saturday 10th January 2026

Saturday after the Theophany
Afterfeast of The Theophany
Commemorations:
St. Gregory, bishop of Nyssa (395). St. Theophan the Recluse (1894). Blessed Theosebia the deaconess, wife of St. Gregory of Nyssa (385). St. Marcian, presbyter, of Constantinople (5th C). St. Dometian, bishop of Melitene (601)
British Isles and Ireland:
St. Diarmaid, abbot of Innis-Clotran (6th C). St. Thomian, Archbishop of Armagh (c.660). St. Sethrid of East Anglia, abbess in France (7th C).
Readings:
Ephesians 6:10-17; Matthew 4:1-11

Sunday 11th January 2026

Tone 6 - Eothinon 9

Sunday after the Theophany
Saint Theodosius the Great, the Cœnobiarch of Palestine (529)
Afterfeast of The Theophany
Commemorations:
St. Vitalis of the monastery of Abba Serid at Gaza (620). St. Theodosius of Antioch (c.412). Venerable Theodosios of Philotheou Monastery. St. Michael of Klops Monastery, Fool-for-Christ (ca 1453). SS Theodore and Agapius of Apamea in Syria (306)
British Isles and Ireland:
SS Eithne and Fidelma, daughters of King Laoghaire (433). St. Beandan, abbot (5th C).
Readings:
Ephesians 4:7-13; Matthew 4:12-17
For the Commemoration: Hebrews 13:7-16; Matthew 11:27-30

Monday 12th January 2026

Afterfeast of The Theophany
Commemorations:
Holy martyr Tatiana of Rome and those who suffered with her (3rd C). Holy martyr Mertius of Mauretania (c.305). Virgin-martyr Euthasia. Martyr Philotheus of Antioch (c.305)
British Isles and Ireland:
St. Benedict Biscop, 1st abbot of Wearmouth, scholar (690).
Readings:
James 2:14-26; Mark 4:10-23

Tuesday 13th January 2026

Afterfeast of The Theophany
Commemorations:
Holy martyrs Hermylus and Stratonicus of Belgrade (315). St. James, bishop of Nisibis (350). St. Hilary, bishop of Poitiers (369). St. Maximus the Righteous of Kapsokalyvia Skete (1364). St. Eleazar of Anzersk Island at Solovki (1656). Holy martyrs Pachomios and Papyrinos of Greece
British Isles and Ireland:
St. Kentigern (Mungo), 1st bishop of Glasgow and Strathclyde (603). St. Erbin of Cornwall (6th C). St. Elian (6th C).
Readings:
James 3:1-10; Mark 4:24-34

Wednesday 14th January 2026

Fast day: strict fast

Leavetaking of The Theophany
Commemorations:
The Holy Fathers slain at Sinai and Raithu (5th C). St. Nina, Equal-to-the-Apostles and Enlightener of Georgia (355). St. Sava (Sabbas) I, enlightener, and 1st archbishop, of Serbia (1237). Virgin-martyr Agnes (304). St. Theodulus, son of St. Nilus of Sinai (5th C).
Readings:
James 3:11-4:6; Mark 4:35-41

Thursday 15th January 2026

Saint Paul of Thebes
Commemorations:
St. John Kalyvites (‘the Hut-dweller’) in Constantinople, monks (450). Monk-Martyr Pansophius of Alexandria (c.251). St. Maurus, disciple of St. Benedict (584). St. Gabriel, founder of Lesnovo Monastery, Serbia-Bulgaria (11th C)
British Isles and Ireland:
St. Ita of Killeedy, nun (570). St. Teath of Wales, daughter of King Brychan (6th C). St. Lleudadd, abbot of Bardsey (6th C). St. Sawl, father of St. Asaph (6th C). St. Ceolwulf, King of Northumbria, monk (764). Hieromartyr Blaithmaic, abbot of Iona (823).
Readings:
James 4:7-5:9; Mark 5:1-20
For the Commemoration: Galatians 5:22-6:2; Luke 12:32-40

Friday 16th January 2026

Fast day: wine and oil allowed

Veneration of the Precious Chains of the Holy Apostle Peter
Commemorations:
St. Honoratus, archbishop of Arles and founder of Lerins Monastery (429). St. Romilos, monk of Mt Athos, disciple of St. Gregory of Sinai, and with him SS Nestor, Martinius, Daniel, Sisoes, Zosimas, and Gregory (1375). New Hieromartyr Damaskinos (1771). Blessed Maximus the priest, of Totma, Vologda, Fool-for-Christ (1650). Holy martyrs Pseusippus, Eleusippus, and Meleusippus the brothers, their grandmother Leonilla, and with them Neon, Turbo, and Jonilla, in Cappadocia (c.180). St. Macarius Kalogeras, hierodeacon of Patmos
British Isles and Ireland:
St. Fursey of Burgh Castle, Enlightener of East Anglia (650). St. Dunchaid O’Braoin, abbot of Clonmacnoise (988).
Readings:
1 Peter 1:1-2,10-12,2:6-10; Mark 5:22-24,35-6:1
For the Commemoration: Acts 12:1-11; John 21:14-25

Saturday 17th January 2026

Our Venerable and God-bearing Father Anthony the Great
Commemorations:
St. Anthony the New, ascetic of Berrea in Macedonia (11th C). New-martyr George of Ioannina (1838). St. Theodosius the Great, Emperor of Rome (395)
British Isles and Ireland:
St. Nennius, disciple of St. Ninian (6th C). St. Mildgyth of Lyminge, virgin (676).
Readings:
1 Thessalonians 5:14-23; Matthew 23:1-12
For the Commemoration: Hebrews 13:17-21; Luke 6:17-23

Sunday 18th January 2026

Tone 7 - Eothinon 10

29th after Pentecost, 12th of Luke
Athanasius the Great and Cyril, Archbishops of Alexandria
Commemorations:
Holy martyr Theodula and her companions Helladius, Boethius, Evagrius and Macarius of Anazarbus in Cilicia, (304). St. Marcian of Cyrrhus in Syria, monk (c.303). St. Maximus of Serbia (1546)
British Isles and Ireland:
St. Deicola of Bangor (6th C). St. Wilfrid (Ulfrid), missionary and martyr in Sweden (1028).
Readings:
Colossians 3:4-11; Luke 17:12-19
For the Commemoration: Hebrews 13:7-16; Matthew 5:14-19

Monday 19th January 2026

Holy and Venerable Macarius the Great of Egypt
Commemorations:
Holy and Venerable Mark Eugenikos, metropolitan of Ephesus, Pillar of Orthodoxy (1445). St. Sulpice, bishop of Bourges (c.647). St. Meletius, Confessor of Mt. Galesion, monk (1286)
British Isles and Ireland:
St. Branwalader (Breward) bishop of Jersey (6th C). St. Nathalan, bishop of Tullicht (c.678).
Readings:
1 Peter 2:21-3:9; Mark 5:24-34
For the Commemoration: Galatians 5:22-6:2; Matthew 19:16-26

Tuesday 20th January 2026

Our Holy and Godbearing Father Euthymios the Great of Palestine (473)
Commemorations:
New Martyr Zacharias in Patrai in Morea (1782). St. Leo the Great, confessor, Emperor of the East (474). Blessed Peter the Customs Inspector of Constantinople (6th C). Holy Martyr Sebastian (288)
British Isles and Ireland:
St. Fechin, abbot of Fobhar (664). St. Molagga, disciple of St. David and abbot of Fermoy (664).
Readings:
1 Peter 3:10-22; Mark 6:1-7
For the Commemoration: 2 Corinthians 4:6-15; Luke 6:17-23

Wednesday 21st January 2026

Fast day: strict fast

Holy and Venerable Maximus the Confessor (662)
Commemorations:
Holy Martyrs Zosimos and Neophytos (305). Venerable Maxim the Greek (1556). Virgin-Martyr Agnes of Rome (304). Holy martyr Anastasius, disciple of St. Maximus the Confessor (662)
British Isles and Ireland:
St. Brigid of Kilbride (6th C). St. Wynnin, bishop and abbot of Holywood (6th C). St. Lawdog of Wales (6th C). St. Macallan, hermit and abbot (978).
Readings:
1 Peter 4:1-11; Mark 6:7-13
For the Commemoration: Philippians 1:12-20; Luke 12:8-12

Thursday 22nd January 2026

Apostle Timothy of the Seventy
Commemorations:
St. Vincent the deacon, Protomartyr of Spain (4th C). Monk-Martyr Anastasius the Persian (628). St. Joseph Samakus the Sanctified of Crete.
British Isles and Ireland:
St. Brithwald of Ramsbury (1045).
Readings:
1 Peter 4:12-5:5; Mark 6:30-45
For the Commemoration: 2 Timothy 1:3-8; Matthew 10:32-33,37-38,19:27-30

Friday 23rd January 2026

Fast day: strict fast

Hieromartyr Clement, bishop of Ancyra
Commemorations:
Martyr Agathangelus (312). St. Paulinus the Merciful, bishop of Nola (431). St. Eusebius the Recluse of Mt Coryphe near Antioch (5th C). St. Mausimas the Syrian (4th C). St. Salamanes the Hesychast of the Euphrates (390). Commemoration of the Holy Fathers of the Sixth Ecumenical Council (680-681). St. Dionysius of Olympus (1540)
British Isles and Ireland:
St. Colman of Lismore (c.702). Holy Martyr Maimbod (c.880).
Readings:
2 Peter 1:1-10; Mark 6:45-53
For the Commemoration: Philippians 3:20-4:3; Mark 2:23-3:5

Saturday 24th January 2026

Commemorations:
St. Xenia of Rome and her two female slaves (5th C). St. Xenia, the Fool-for-Christ of St. Petersburg (18th C). Holy martyrs Babylas of Sicily and his two disciples: Timothy and Agapius (3rd C). St. Philotheus, founder of Philotheou Monastery (10th C). St. Neophytos the Anchorite, of Cyprus (1214). St. Philo, bishop of Kalpa in Cyprus (5th C). Hieromartyr Felician, bishop of Foligno (254)
British Isles and Ireland:
St. Guasacht, bishop of Granard (5th C). St. Cadoc of Wales (588).
Readings:
2 Timothy 2:11-19; Matthew 24:1-13

Sunday 25th January 2026

Tone 8 - Eothinon 11

32nd after Pentecost, 15th of Luke
Gregory the Theologian, Archbishop of Constantinople
Commemorations:
Holy martyrs Felicitas of Rome, and her seven sons: Januarius, Felix, Philip, Silvanus, Alexander, Vitalis, and Martial (c.164). St. Mares the Singer of Syria (430). Venerable Demetrios. New Martyr Auxentius of Constantinople (1720). New Hieromartyr Vladimir, metropolitan of Kiev, Protomartyr of the communist yoke (1918)
British Isles and Ireland:
St. Eochod, apostle of the Picts of Galloway (597). St. Dwynwen of Wales (460). St. Sigebert, King of the East Angles and Martyr (635). St. Thordgyth of Barking, nun (700).
Readings:
1 Timothy 4:9-15; Luke 19:1-10
For the Commemoration: Hebrews 7:26-8:2; John 10:9-16

Monday 26th January 2026

Commemorations:
St. Xenophon, his wife, Mary, and their two sons, Arcadius and John, of Constantinople (6th C). St. Symeon ‘the Ancient’, Hermit at Amanus Mons, Cilicia (390). Translation of the relics of St. Theodore, abbot of the Studion (845). St. Joseph, bishop of Thessalonica, brother of St. Theodore of the Studion (830)
British Isles and Ireland:
St. Conan, bishop of Sodor and Man (648).
Readings:
Galatians 4:28-5:10; Mark 6:54-7:8

Tuesday 27th January 2026

Translation of the Relics of Saint John Chrysostom
Commemorations:
St. Peter of Egypt (4th C). New Martyr Demetrius at Constantinople (1784)
British Isles and Ireland:
St. Natalis of Ulster (6th C).
Readings:
Galatians 5:11-21; Mark 7:5-16
For the Commemoration: Hebrews 7:26-8:2; John 10:9-16

Wednesday 28th January 2026

Fast day: strict fast

Saint Ephraim the Syrian (373)
Commemorations:
St. Palladius the Hermit of Antioch (4th C). St. Isaac the Syrian, bishop of Nineveh (7th C). St. James the Ascetic of Porphyreon in Palestine (6th C). St. Theodosius, abbot of Totma, Vologda (1568). Holy Martyr Grace (Charis)
British Isles and Ireland:
Holy Pilgrim-Martyrs Brigid and Maura (4th C). St. Cannera of Bantry (530). St. Glastian of Kiunglassie (830). St. John the Wise of Malmesbury, monk (8th C).
Readings:
Galatians 6:2-10; Mark 7:14-24
For the Commemoration: Galatians 5:22-6:2; Luke 6:17-23

Thursday 29th January 2026

Translation of the relics of Hieromartyr Ignatius the Godbearer of Antioch (107)
Commemorations:
St. Sulpicius Severus, disciple of St. Martin of Tours (406). New Martyr Demetrios of Chios (1802). St. Laurence, Recluse of the Kievan Caves and bishop of Turov (1194)
British Isles and Ireland:
St. Gildas the Wise, abbot of Llanilltud and Brittany (c.570). St. Blath (Flora) of Kildare (523). St. Dallan Forgaill, martyr (598). St. Voloc, bishop in Scotland (c.724).
Readings:
Ephesians 1:1-9; Mark 7:24-30
For the Commemoration: Hebrews 10:32-38; Mark 9:33-41

Friday 30th January 2026

Fast day: wine and oil allowed

Synaxis of the Three Great Hierarchs and Ecumenical Teachers: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom
Commemorations:
Hieromartyr Hippolytus, pope of Rome and those with him at Ostia (269). St. Zeno, hermit at Antioch (5th C). New Martyr Chatzi-Theodore in Mytilene (1784). Holy Martyr Theophilus the New in Cyprus (784)
British Isles and Ireland:
St. Tudy, virgin, daughter of King Brychan of Brecknock (5th C). St. Bathild, Queen of France (680). St. Amnichad, hermit (1043).
Readings:
Ephesians 1:7-17; Mark 8:1-10
For the Commemoration: Hebrews 13:7-16; Matthew 5:14-19

Saturday 31st January 2026

Holy Wonderworkers and Unmercenaries Cyrus and John
Commemorations:
Those with Cyrus and John at Canopus in Egypt (311). St. Nikita of the Kievan Caves, bishop of Novgorod (1108). St. Arsenius of Paros (1877). New Martyr Elias Ardiunes at Kalamata (1686). Holy martyr Papias of Corinth
British Isles and Ireland:
St. Aidan (Maedoc), bishop of Ferns (626). St. Melangell, virgin-recluse of Montgomeryshire (6th C). St. Adamnan of Coldingham, monk (680). St. Wilgils, Hermit of the Humber (7th C). Holy Martyr Eusebius the Scot (884).
Readings:
1 Corinthians 10:23-28; Matthew 24:34-37,42-44
For the Commemoration: 1 Corinthians 12:27-13:8; Matthew 10:1,5-8

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
In developing the software to generate this monthly calendar we gratefully acknowledge our dependence on many sources, prominent among them being :-
For the synaxaria of the Saints: Michael Purcell (of the Saint John (Maximovich) the Wonderworker Orthodox Church, Atlanta, GA.) and his very impressive software program Menologion; and Father Andrew Phillips whose web site Orthodox England has, amongst its many jewels, a list of the Latin Saints of the Orthodox Patriarchate of Rome. Thank you, both – and Many Years!
For the ranking of the major commemorations and related guidance: The Typikon Charts published by the St Raphael Brotherhood of the Antiochian Diocese of Wichita and Mid-America.
For the matters relating to the Lectionary: The admirably detailed notes included in the Epistle and Gospel Lectionaries published by the Centre for Traditionalist Orthodox Studies, Etna, Ca.; together with the annual Kanonion issued by the Phanar.
For the Fasting rules and many other details: The Antiochian Book of the Typikon as translated by Bishop Khoury and edited by Archpriest John W Morris.
Errors in the calendar will inevitably emerge, and for these we apologise. We should be grateful if you would inform us of any you discover.