Orthodox guides

Guides & Explanations

Practical guides to Orthodox life — preparing the krsna slava, the holy sacraments, fasting rules, burial and memorial customs, and the Divine Liturgy. Written clearly for the faithful and the curious.

Holy Sacraments

Liturgy & Worship

Patron Feast (Krsna Slava)

Ilindan: Guide to the Feast of the Holy Prophet Elijah

Everything about Ilindan — tradition, the fasting feast table during the Dormition Fast, folklore about thunder and lightning, and tips for hosts.

7 min read

Đurđevdan: The Spring Feast of Saint George

A guide to celebrating Đurđevdan — the spring feast of Saint George: tradition, the non-fasting table, rites, and folk customs.

7 min read

Jovanjdan: Guide to the Feast of Saint John the Baptist

Everything about the feast of Saint John the Baptist — tradition, the difference between the January and July Jovanjdan, the feast table, and tips for hosts.

7 min read

Nikoljdan: Complete Guide to the Feast of Saint Nicholas

Everything you need to know about Nikoljdan — tradition, food, rites, and tips for hosts and guests at the feast table of Saint Nicholas.

8 min read

Mitrovdan: Guide to the Feast of Saint Demetrius of Thessalonica

Everything you need to know about Mitrovdan — history, tradition, the feast table, and preparing the feast of Saint Demetrius, patron of warriors and shepherds.

7 min read

Pantelejmondan: Guide to the Feast of Saint Panteleimon the Healer

Everything about the feast of Saint Panteleimon — a fasting celebration in August, the tradition of healing sanctuaries, the feast table, and tips for hosts.

7 min read

Markovdan: Guide to the Feast of Saint Mark the Apostle and Evangelist

Everything about the feast of Saint Mark — tradition, the feast table in the spring season, the Markovdan litanies, and tips for hosts.

7 min read

Petkovdan: The Feast of Saint Petka of Tarnovo

A guide to celebrating Petkovdan — details about the life of Saint Petka, the feast table, the liturgy, and folk customs on November 14.

7 min read

Aranđelovdan: Complete Guide to the Feast of the Holy Archangel Michael

Everything you need to know about Aranđelovdan — tradition, the feast table, prayers and tips for hosts and guests.

7 min read

Petrovdan: Guide to the Feast of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul

Everything about the feast of Peter and Paul — tradition, the feast table, the Apostles' Fast, and tips for hosts of Petrovdan.

7 min read

Savindan: Guide to the Feast of Saint Sava of Serbia

A guide to the feast of Saint Sava — patron of the Serbs and of Serbian schools. History, tradition, school celebrations, and preparing the feast table for Savindan.

8 min read

Stefanjdan: Guide to the Feast of Saint Stephen the First Martyr

Everything about the feast of Saint Stephen — tradition between Christmas and the New Year, the feast table, and tips for hosts of Stefanjdan.

7 min read

Spasovdan: Guide to the Feast of the Ascension of the Lord

Everything about Spasovdan — the feast of the Ascension that some families celebrate as their patron feast, tradition, and the feast table.

7 min read

Vasiljevdan and the Serbian New Year: Guide to the Feast of Saint Basil the Great

Everything about Vasiljevdan — the feast of Saint Basil the Great and the Serbian Orthodox New Year on January 14, tradition, and the feast table.

8 min read

Trifundan: The Feast of Saint Tryphon the Martyr

A guide to celebrating Trifundan — the patron of vineyards and winemakers. Learn about the rite of pruning, the feast table, and the traditions connected with February 14.

7 min read

General