Calendar: Great Sunday of Orthodoxy today – Who celebrates March 1
The Orthodox Church celebrates the Sunday of Orthodoxy on March 1, 2026, marking the triumph of Orthodox faith and restoration of the veneration of holy icons.
On March 1, 2026, the Orthodox Church commemorates the Sunday of Orthodoxy, which is the first Sunday of Lent and holds significant theological importance. This day represents the triumph of the Orthodox faith and the restoration of the veneration of holy icons after a long-standing conflict known as the Iconoclast Controversy. Established in 843 A.D. by Empress Theodora and Patriarch Methodius, this celebration acknowledges both a historical event and the victory of truth over falsehood in the Orthodox tradition.
The Sunday of Orthodoxy is not only about honoring a past resolution but also serves as a declaration of faith regarding the Incarnation of God, represented through the icons of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the saints. The church emphasizes that the veneration of these icons pertains to the divine figures depicted rather than the material objects themselves. The joyous nature of this day is reflected within the somber mood of Lent, providing a balance of celebration amidst reflection.
During the liturgy, the Church reads the Synodicon of Orthodoxy, and believers partake in processions carrying sacred icons, proclaiming: "This is the faith of the Apostles, this is the faith of the Fathers." In addition to the Sunday of Orthodoxy, the feast calendar also honors St. Eudokia, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of the day as it intertwines historical reverence with ongoing spiritual practices in the Orthodox faith.