pyhäkalenteri

The pyhäkalenteri, often translated as the "holy calendar" or "church calendar," is a system used in many Christian traditions to organize and commemorate significant religious events, saints' days, and seasons throughout the year. It provides a framework for liturgical worship and spiritual reflection.

The structure of the pyhäkalenteri typically begins with the season of Advent, leading up to the celebration of Christmas. Following Christmas, the season of Epiphany marks the manifestation of Christ. Lent, a period of fasting and repentance, precedes Easter, the most important festival celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The period after Easter is known as Eastertide, culminating in Pentecost, which commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit.

Throughout the year, the pyhäkalenteri also includes feast days dedicated to important biblical figures, apostles, martyrs, and other saints. These days offer opportunities to remember their lives, teachings, and sacrifices, and to draw inspiration from their examples. The specific saints and their feast days can vary between different denominations and traditions.

The observance of the pyhäkalenteri influences the lectionary, the schedule of scripture readings used in worship services, as well as the themes of sermons and the selection of hymns and prayers. It helps to create a rhythm of spiritual life, marking time not just by secular dates but by the unfolding narrative of Christian faith and history. The calendar serves as a guide for both individual devotion and communal worship.