Even up to the 1840's, Christmas was not much more than a date on the church calendar.

Special music is also provided for all major festivals and feasts throughout the church calendar.

Back then, this holy day, just one of many in the church calendar, was simply a time for contemplation and quiet joy.

Orthodox leaders are keenly aware how explosive any change in the church calendar can be.

Now, the church calendar is fairly bursting with musical engagements.

The page was created two years ago on Sept. 8 - Mary's birthday, according to the church calendar.

The structure of the story is defined to a large extent by the particular requirements of the church calendar for Christmas 1734/35.

Their church calendar is based on the Hebrew calendar.

It marks the beginning of the Pre-Lenten season of the old church calendar.

Confirmation is one of the main family gatherings and is a big feast day on the church calendar at the beginning of May.