The Liturgical Calendar: Living Through Sacred Time
The liturgical calendar is one of the most beautiful and meaningful aspects of Episcopal worship, though it can seem mysterious to newcomers. Rather than simply marking days on a secular calendar, the liturgical calendar invites us into a sacred rhythm of time—one that shapes our worship, prayers, and spiritual journey throughout the year.
What Is the Liturgical Calendar?
The liturgical calendar is the Church’s way of organizing the year around the major events in the life of Christ and the rhythms of our spiritual growth. Unlike the secular calendar that begins on January 1, the Church year begins with the first Sunday of Advent, usually in late November or early December. This calendar doesn’t just tell us what day it is—it tells us where we are in our journey of faith.
At any Episcopal service, you’ll notice that the scripture readings, prayers, music, and even the colors of the altar and vestments change throughout the year. These changes follow the liturgical calendar, helping us experience the fullness of God’s story and our response to it.
🔗 Learn more from the Episcopal Church Glossary
The Major Seasons
Advent (Purple or Blue)
The Church year begins with Advent, a season of preparation and anticipation for both the celebration of Christ’s birth and his promised return. It lasts about four weeks and is marked by themes of hope, prophecy, and preparation. Purple is the traditional color, symbolizing penitence, though many Episcopal churches use blue to represent hope.
Christmas (White or Gold)
Christmas celebrates the incarnation—God becoming human in Jesus. The season begins on December 25 and lasts twelve days, ending with the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6. White or gold vestments are used to express joy and purity.
Epiphany and the Season After Epiphany (White, then Green)
Epiphany (January 6) marks the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles, represented by the visit of the Magi. The day itself is celebrated with white, but the weeks following—known as the Season after Epiphany—are marked by green vestments, symbolizing growth in discipleship.
🔗 More on Epiphany from the Episcopal Church
Lent (Purple)
Lent is a forty-day season (not counting Sundays) of preparation for Easter, beginning with Ash Wednesday. It’s a time for prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, and is marked by purple vestments and a more solemn tone. Many churches refrain from using the word "Alleluia" during Lent to heighten the joy of its return on Easter.
Holy Week (Red, White, or Purple)
The final week of Lent, Holy Week includes:
- Palm Sunday (Red): commemorates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
- Maundy Thursday (White): remembers the Last Supper.
- Good Friday (Red or no color): honors Christ’s crucifixion.
- Holy Saturday: a day of waiting and silence.
🔗 Liturgical Colors – Episcopal Glossary
Easter (White or Gold)
Easter is the greatest feast of the Christian year, celebrating Christ’s resurrection. The season lasts fifty days, ending with Pentecost. It is marked by joyful music, flowers, white or gold vestments, and the return of "Alleluia" in worship.
Pentecost (Red)
Pentecost celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit to the apostles and is often considered the birthday of the Church. Red vestments symbolize the tongues of fire and the Spirit’s presence.
🔗 Pentecost – Episcopal Glossary
Season After Pentecost (Green)
Following Pentecost, the Church enters its longest season, often called the Season after Pentecost. Green vestments symbolize ongoing growth. While some traditions call this "Ordinary Time," in the Episcopal Church, it is typically referred to as the "Season after Pentecost" and "Season after Epiphany" based on the feast that precedes it.
🔗 Ordinary Time Clarified – Episcopal Glossary
The Three-Year Lectionary Cycle
The Episcopal Church, along with many other denominations, follows the Revised Common Lectionary—a three-year cycle of scripture readings. Each year (A, B, or C) provides assigned readings for Sundays and major feast days. Services typically include:
- A reading from the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament)
- A Psalm
- A New Testament Epistle
- A Gospel Reading
This ensures exposure to the breadth and depth of the Bible over three years.
🔗 Revised Common Lectionary – Vanderbilt University
This lectionary is shared by Roman Catholics, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Methodists, and others, creating unity across many Christian traditions.
Why Does This Matter?
Living by the liturgical calendar offers several spiritual and practical benefits:
🕰️ Spiritual Rhythm
Just as our bodies need rhythms of work and rest, our souls benefit from rhythms of anticipation and celebration, penitence and joy.
📖 Biblical Immersion
The lectionary ensures we engage with the whole of Scripture, not just favorite or familiar passages.
🌍 Community Connection
By following the same calendar and readings as millions of Christians worldwide, we are connected to a global Church across denominations and generations.
❤️ Emotional Honesty
The liturgical calendar makes space for the full spectrum of human experience—waiting, grief, celebration, reflection, and growth—within the life of faith.
⏳ Countercultural Time
In a culture of constant speed, the liturgical calendar invites us into intentional, sacred waiting and reflection.
Experiencing the Calendar at St. John’s
When you worship at St. John’s, you participate in this ancient rhythm that has guided Christians for centuries. You’ll notice:
- Changing colors on vestments and altar hangings
- Music that mirrors the mood and message of each season
- Scripture readings tied to the life of Christ and the Church
- Prayers and rituals that deepen our spiritual awareness
If it seems complex at first, that’s okay! Our bulletin will guide you, and over time you’ll find yourself naturally drawn into this rhythm of sacred time.
An Invitation
Whether you’re new to church or coming from a different tradition, we invite you to experience the richness of the liturgical calendar. Let it teach you patience during Advent, invite you into reflection during Lent, flood your soul with joy during Easter, and nurture your faith through the long green season after Pentecost.
The calendar isn’t just about marking time—it’s about being marked by time, allowing each season to shape your heart and deepen your walk with God.
Come walk this sacred journey with us. Every season has something to teach, and every Sunday brings a new opportunity to encounter the living Christ.