2026 LITURGICAL CALENDAR & NOTES

2026 MEMORIAL LITURGIES FOR THE DEPARTED - AMBRIDGE PARISH

                                                            Pre-Lent/Lent                                                 Mar 7 / Mar 14

                                                            Saturday before Pentecost                                  May 30

                                                            St. Demetrius the Myrrh-gusher Saturday           October 24

2026 DATES WHEN WEDDINGS ARE NOT TO BE CELEBRATED

(Unless a dispensation is granted by the ruling bishop upon the request of the parish priest)

• On the eves of Wednesdays and Fridays throughout the year (i.e., Tuesday and Thursday evenings)
• On the eves of Sunday throughout the year (i.e., Saturday evenings)
• On the eve of Holydays commemorated in the parish
• In all the fasting seasons noted previously
• From the Nativity of Christ through the Second Day of Theophany
• During the Week of Cheesefare
• During Bright Week
• On the Eve and Holyday of “The Beheading of St. John the Baptist”
• On the Eve and Holyday of “The Elevation of the Precious Cross”

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• Note! The SCHEDULING OF THE WEDDING SACRAMENT should be finalized with the parish priest before any other nuptial planning is done. Please remember that wedding ceremonies performed outside the Orthodox Faith are not recognized as valid Orthodox Sacramental unions. Suspension from the Holy Sacraments (as well as loss of other parish membership privileges) is automatic in such instances until “normalized” as per private instruction from the parish priest in consultation with the diocese.

• While the guidelines for Orthodox Christians fasting (as well as participation in the Holy Sacraments) should be taken seriously, they are not to be interpreted with “dour and pedantic legalism.” It is the prerogative of the ruling bishop to grant dispensations concerning these guidelines if recommended by his representative, the parish priest.

• Individuals under the care of a physician need to discuss their fasting regimen with the parish priest, who, as your spiritual father, will give guidance to mitigate the fasting regimen, as appropriate.

• Any parish member or parish organization using any of the parish’s facilities (including the Youth Center) must follow the fasting guidelines as outlined above when serving food or beverages.

~ Please contact Fr. Bill if you have questions concerning any of the information above ~