July 12

Holidays & Observances

Christianfeast day:

Feast of Saints Peter and Paul(Eastern Orthodox), Hermagoras and Fortunatus, Jason of Thessalonica(Catholic Church), John Gualbert, Louis Martin and Marie-Azélie Guérin, Nabor and Felix, Nathan Söderblom(Lutheran,Episcopal Church (USA)), Veronica, Viventiolus, July 12 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)

A Christian feast day honoring various saints including Peter and Paul, Hermagoras and Fortunatus, and others.
This Christian feast day honors multiple saints across various traditions. It commemorates Apostles Peter and Paul in the Eastern Orthodox Church. It also celebrates early martyrs Hermagoras and Fortunatus. Jason of Thessalonica and John Gualbert are remembered for their missionary work. Louis Martin and Marie-Azélie Guérin, parents of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, are included. Nabor and Felix, Veronica, Viventiolus, and others are also commemorated. The day is marked by liturgies across Catholic, Lutheran, Episcopal, and Orthodox communities. It highlights the diverse heritage of Christian saints and their contributions to faith.
feast day Feast of Saints Peter and Paul Eastern Orthodox Hermagoras and Fortunatus Jason of Thessalonica Catholic Church John Gualbert Louis Martin and Marie-Azélie Guérin Nabor and Felix Nathan Söderblom Lutheran Episcopal Church (USA) Veronica Viventiolus July 12 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)

The second day ofNaadam(Mongolia)

The second day of Mongolia’s Naadam festival featuring traditional horse racing, wrestling, and archery competitions.
Naadam is Mongolia’s traditional summer festival known as the “Three Games of Men.” The second day of Naadam features thrilling horse races across the Mongolian steppes. Spectators gather in colorful attire to celebrate national heritage and unity. Events also showcase wrestling and archery competitions held on the first and third days. The festival honors Mongolia’s independence and cultural identity. It attracts participants and visitors from across the country and beyond. Traditional foods, music, and ceremonies accompany the athletic competitions. Naadam is inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Naadam Mongolia

The Twelfth, also known as Orangemen's Day (Northern Ireland,Scotland,Newfoundland and Labrador)

A Protestant celebration marking the Battle of the Boyne victory, observed with parades and bonfires in parts of the UK and Canada.
The Twelfth, also known as Orangemen’s Day, marks Protestant victory at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. Celebrated on July 12, it is a major cultural event in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Parades featuring marching bands, banners, and bonfires honor the memory of William of Orange. The day emphasizes Protestant heritage, community solidarity, and historical remembrance. In Canada, similar celebrations reflect Ulster Protestant traditions among diaspora communities. The event sometimes prompts dialogue on its political and sectarian significance. Music, speeches, and family gatherings are central to the festivities. For many, it is both a solemn commemoration and a festive occasion.
The Twelfth Northern Ireland Scotland Newfoundland and Labrador

Feast of Saints Peter and Paul(Eastern Orthodox)

Eastern Orthodox feast celebrating the apostles Peter and Paul, marked by liturgies and icon veneration.
On July 12, the Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul. The feast honors the apostles Peter and Paul for their foundational roles in early Christianity. Liturgical services include the reading of gospel passages and special hymns. Icons of the two saints are venerated in churches worldwide. The day underscores unity of faith and apostolic tradition. Believers participate in communal prayers and often attend the Divine Liturgy.
Feast of Saints Peter and Paul Eastern Orthodox

Hermagoras and Fortunatus

Feast day honoring early Christian martyrs Hermagoras and Fortunatus, remembered for their faith and sacrifice.
This feast day commemorates Saints Hermagoras and Fortunatus, early Christian martyrs. Hermagoras was the first bishop of Aquileia, while Fortunatus served as his deacon. They were arrested and executed for their faith during Roman persecutions. Churches honor their sacrifice with liturgical celebrations on July 12. Their story symbolizes perseverance and dedication to Christian teachings.
Hermagoras and Fortunatus

Jason of Thessalonica(Catholic Church)

Catholic feast commemorating Jason of Thessalonica, an early church missionary known for his hospitality.
Catholic faithful celebrate the feast of Saint Jason of Thessalonica on July 12. Jason was a devoted missionary who supported the early church in Macedonia. Tradition holds that he provided refuge to apostles fleeing persecution. His ministry exemplified hospitality and steadfast faith. The day is marked by Masses and prayers in his honor.
Jason of Thessalonica Catholic Church

John Gualbert

Feast day of Saint John Gualbert, an 11th-century reformer and founder of the Vallombrosan order.
Saint John Gualbert’s feast day is observed on July 12 in the Catholic liturgical calendar. He founded the Vallombrosan Benedictine order during the 11th century. Known for his reform efforts, he promoted clerical discipline and monastic devotion. John’s legendary forgiveness of his brother’s murderer underscores his mercy. Pilgrims and monks commemorate his legacy through prayer and charitable works.
John Gualbert

Louis Martin and Marie-Azélie Guérin

Catholic celebration of Saints Louis Martin and Marie-Azélie Guérin, parents of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, renowned for their family devotion.
July 12 celebrates Saints Louis Martin and Marie-Azélie Guérin, parents of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. The couple’s marriage and family life exemplified Christian virtue and resilience. Both were canonized in 2015 for their profound faith and dedication to family. They supported their children’s spiritual journeys and educational pursuits. Pilgrims visit Lisieux, France, to honor their memory and pray for family blessings.
Louis Martin and Marie-Azélie Guérin

Nabor and Felix

Feast honoring Saints Nabor and Felix, early Christian martyrs venerated for their unwavering faith.
Saints Nabor and Felix are honored on July 12 for their martyrdom under Roman rule. Tradition recounts that the two companions remained faithful despite torture. They were venerated in the early Christian community of Milan. Churches celebrate their courage with special prayers and liturgies. Their story inspires steadfast faith in the face of persecution.
Nabor and Felix

Nathan Söderblom(Lutheran,Episcopal Church (USA))

Commemoration of Archbishop Nathan Söderblom, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and ecumenical leader in the Lutheran and Episcopal traditions.
The Lutheran and Episcopal Churches commemorate Archbishop Nathan Söderblom on July 12. He served as Archbishop of Uppsala and was a pioneer of the ecumenical movement. In 1930, he received the Nobel Peace Prize for promoting Christian unity. Söderblom organized the World Conference on Faith and Order in 1927. His leadership bridged denominational divides and advanced interfaith dialogue. Services include reflections on his work and ongoing efforts toward church unity.
Nathan Söderblom Lutheran Episcopal Church (USA)

Veronica

Feast day of Saint Veronica, venerated in Christian tradition for her act of compassion toward Jesus Christ on his way to crucifixion.
Saint Veronica is celebrated for wiping the face of Jesus with her veil as he carried the cross to Golgotha. According to tradition, his image was miraculously imprinted on the cloth, which became known as the Veil of Veronica. The feast honors her act of mercy and unwavering faith. Pilgrimages and devotions to sites associated with her take place on this day. Artists throughout history have depicted this poignant moment in paintings and sculptures. The commemoration serves as a reminder of the power of compassion and the importance of serving others in their hour of need.
Veronica

Viventiolus

Feast day of Saint Viventiolus, a 6th-century hermit and bishop known for his piety and leadership in the early Church.
Saint Viventiolus lived in the 6th century and served as bishop of Lyon after a period of dedicated hermitage. Renowned for his humility and wisdom, he guided his community through times of turmoil and rebuilding. Historical accounts highlight his efforts to restore churches and promote charitable works among the poor. His writings and actions contributed to the strengthening of monastic life in Gaul. The day dedicated to him invites reflection on spiritual leadership, perseverance, and service to the faithful.
Viventiolus