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Prepare to honor the mother of God on December 26 with the celebration of Synaxis of the Mother of God! This day is an important one in the Eastern Orthodox Christian tradition, as it commemorates the gathering of angels, saints, and humans to pay homage to the Virgin Mary as the mother of Jesus. It is a time for prayer, reflection, and gratitude for her role in bringing salvation to humanity. So join in on this beautiful day and express your love and devotion to the Mother of God in your own special way.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>432</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Council of Ephesus</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Council of Ephesus is held, officially stating that Mary is the Theotokos, or 'God-bearer' – the mother of God Himself.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>500s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Early Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>Early instances of a feast honoring Mary the day after Christmas are documented, laying the foundation for Synaxis of the Mother of God.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1156</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Byzantine Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Byzantine Empire officially recognizes December 26 as a day to honor Mary, solidifying the celebration in the Eastern Orthodox tradition.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1700s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Growing Celebration</div><div class='timeline-text'>The celebration of Synaxis of the Mother of God spreads throughout Orthodox Christian communities worldwide during this century.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1950</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Veneration Increases</div><div class='timeline-text'>On the heels of dogmatic affirmations by the Sacred Magisterium, global veneration for Mary increases, heightening the significance of celebrations like Synaxis.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Present</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Modern Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>Orthodox Christians around the world continue to celebrate Synaxis of the Mother of God with church services, prayers, and acts of devotion.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a church service</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>The best way to celebrate Synaxis of the Mother of God is by attending a church service dedicated to her. This is a great opportunity to reflect on her role in the Christian faith and offer prayers of gratitude.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a Marian altar</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Set up a special altar in your home dedicated to the Mother of God. You can decorate it with candles, flowers, icons, and other items that hold significance to you. Use this space for prayer and reflection throughout the day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share a meal with friends and family</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Food is an important part of celebration in many cultures. Gather your loved ones and share a meal together, while also taking time to discuss the significance of Synaxis of the Mother of God and how she has impacted your life.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate to a charity in honor of Mary</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>In honor of the Mother of God's compassion and love for all, consider making a donation to a charity that helps those in need. This is a meaningful way to celebrate her and continue her legacy of kindness.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Read and reflect on the story of the Nativity of Mary</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to read and meditate on the story of the Nativity of Mary, which is celebrated on the same day as Synaxis. This will deepen your understanding and appreciation for the role of the Mother of God in the Christian faith.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Honors the mother of Jesus</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The Synaxis of the Mother of God is an important holiday in the Orthodox Christian Church that honors Mary, the mother of Jesus. She holds a special place in the hearts of believers and is considered an icon of love, strength, and devotion.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Brings people together</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>This feast day also serves as a way to bring members of the church community together. It is a time for prayer, worship, and fellowship, which strengthens relationships within the church and reinforces a sense of unity and togetherness.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Reminds us of humility and devotion</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The Synaxis of the Mother of God serves as a reminder of Mary's humility and devotion to God. Her acceptance of her role in carrying and raising Jesus showcases her unwavering faith and obedience to God's plan. This inspires believers to strive for similar virtues in their own lives.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Synaxis Comes from the Greek Word for Assembly</h3><p class='facts-content'>The word Synaxis is derived from the Greek language, and it means "assembly". It's used in Eastern Orthodox tradition to refer to the gathering of believers to honor significant holy figures like the Mother of God.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Commemorates the First Person to Hold Christ After His Birth</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Synaxis of the Mother of God symbolizes not just the honor of Mary's motherhood, but also her being the first person to hold Christ after his birth, thus being the first to physically connect with God-made-man.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>"Axion Estin" is Often Sung During Holiday Services</h3><p class='facts-content'>During church services on the day of Synaxis, you are likely to hear "Axion Estin" or "It is Truly Meet". This is a hymn devoted to the Virgin Mary, further embellishing her importance in Orthodox tradition.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Synaxis of the Mother of God is Also Honored By Some Western Churches</h3><p class='facts-content'>Although largely an Eastern Orthodox tradition, the Synaxis of the Mother of God has also been recognized by some Western churches, primarily under the name "Feast of St. Mary the Virgin".</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Virgin Mary is the Most Honored Female Saint in Orthodoxy</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Virgin Mary is not just another saint in the Orthodox tradition. She holds the highest position among female saints, with her role as the Mother of God being central to many religious narratives.</p></div></div>
Synaxis of the Mother of God is celebrated on December 26 every year. In 2024 Synaxis of the Mother of God will occur on a Thursday.
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Dec 26
Tuesday
2024
Dec 26
Thursday
2025
Dec 26
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2026
Dec 26
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2027
Dec 26
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