Proclamation of Easter (1st Sunday in January)

While a day like Christmas is fixed in our minds and on the calendars on December 25th, many of the important feasts of the Church year move, based upon the date that Easter is set. Easter changes each year moving to the Sunday after the “Paschal Full Moon,” and can fall between March 22 and April 25. In ancient times before calendars were common, most people did not know the dates for the upcoming Liturgical year. Around Epiphany Sunday, the upcoming dates were “proclaimed” by a Deacon:

Know, brothers and sisters,
that, as we have rejoiced at
the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ,
so by leave of God’s mercy we announce to you also
the joy of his Resurrection, who is our Savior.

On the 18th day of February will fall Ash Wednesday,
and the beginning of the fast of the Holy Lenten season.

On the 5th day of April you will celebrate with Joy Easter Day,
the Paschal feast of our Lord Jesus Christ.

On the 14th day of May will be the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ.

On the 24th day of May the feast of Pentecost.

On the 31st day of May, First Sunday after Pentecost: Trinity Sunday

On the 29th day of November
the First Sunday of Advent of our Lord Jesus Christ,
to whom is honor and glory for ever and ever.

Amen.

On patheos.com by Deacon Greg Kandra (12/30/14)