Quadregesima of Saint Philip begins: 40-day Advent fast of Byzantine Rite Christians
St. Barbara’s Day: Third-century martyr St. Nicholas’ Day: Fourth-century archbishop of Myra Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Maternity of Holy Anna): Opens Christmas season in many Latin American countries St. Lucia’s Day: Fourth-century martyr from Sicily St. Thomas’ Day: Apostle who brought the gospel to India | End of Advent, according to Western Christianity Christmas Day, according to Western Christianity Feast of the Holy Innocents (Childermas): Remembers the children slain in Bethlehem St. Sylvester’s Day: Fourth-century pope during whose reign persecution of Christians ceased Epiphany, also known as Three Kings Day Christmas Day, according to Eastern Christianity (Coptic – Egyptian, Ethiopian, Russian, etc.) Timket: Epiphany in Ethiopia |