September 21

September 21 brings together several Christian feast days across denominations. Western churches honor Saint Matthew the Evangelist, celebrating his role as a Gospel writer and apostle. The Roman Catholic Church also commemorates Saint Ephigenia of Ethiopia, a martyr celebrated for her faith and courage. In South Korea, the martyrdom of Bishop Laurent-Joseph-Marius Imbert and his fellow Korean martyrs is observed with solemn liturgies. The Eastern Orthodox Church marks the Nativity of the Theotokos, or birth of the Virgin Mary, under the Julian calendar. Services include special hymns, processions, and icon veneration. These observances remind believers of sacrifice, prophecy, and the enduring foundation of Christian witness.

In the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, September 21 commemorates Saint Ephigenia, an early Christian martyr whose life exemplified devotion and sacrifice. According to tradition, she dedicated herself to acts of charity and unwavering faith in the face of persecution. The feast day features liturgical services with special hymns and prayers sung in Ge'ez. Worshippers attend church and participate in processions carrying icons of the saint. Community gatherings often follow, where believers share food and reflections on her legacy. Saint Ephigenia's story inspires many to live with compassion and steadfastness. The day reinforces the deep roots of Christianity in Ethiopian culture and history.

Laurent-Joseph-Marius Imbert was a French missionary bishop serving in Korea amid intense persecution. On September 21, he was executed for refusing to abandon his Catholic faith, and is venerated among the 103 Korean Martyrs canonized by the Church. Each year, faithful attend special masses and prayer vigils to honor his sacrifice. Pilgrims visit sites associated with the martyrs to reflect on their unwavering courage. Narratives of his life and witness are shared in homilies and religious education programs. The observance underscores themes of religious freedom, missionary devotion, and spiritual resilience. It continues to inspire believers worldwide to contemplate the cost of faith and service.

Observed on September 21 in the Western Christian tradition, the Feast of Saint Matthew honors his role as an apostle and evangelist. According to tradition, Matthew was a tax collector called by Jesus to follow him and later recorded Christ's teachings in his Gospel. Liturgical celebrations include special readings from the Gospel of Matthew, hymns, and prayers. Churches often display artwork depicting Matthew with his symbol, the winged man. The feast invites the faithful to reflect on themes of discipleship and the power of witness. Communities gather for solemn Mass and personal meditation on the Gospel's message. Scholars and believers alike use the day to study Matthew's contributions to Christian scripture and theology.

As a principal celebration in the Eastern Orthodox liturgical year, the Nativity of the Theotokos honors the birth of Mary to her parents Joachim and Anna. The feast opens with a festal vigil on the eve, featuring special hymns, readings, and the lighting of lamps. On the day itself, the Divine Liturgy includes ceremonial processions, incense, and the singing of the Canon of the Nativity. Believers venerate icons of the infant Mary and decorate churches with flowers and candles. The celebration underscores themes of hope and God's unfolding plan for humanity through Mary. It is followed by the elevation of the church calendar's focus from Old Testament anticipation to New Testament fulfillment. The feast connects the faithful to centuries of tradition and theological reflection on the role of the Theotokos. It remains a cornerstone of Orthodox spirituality and devotion.

September 21 is a date in the Eastern Orthodox liturgical calendar dedicated to commemorating multiple saints, martyrs, and events. The specific roster of observances can vary by jurisdiction and local tradition. Services include the chanting of troparia and kontakia specific to the day's commemorations. Faithful participate in Vespers and the Divine Liturgy, venerating the icons of the honored figures. Hymns and readings recount the virtues, struggles, and miracles associated with each saint. The practice of daily remembrance fosters a continuous link between contemporary believers and the historic Church. This convergence of feasts on a single date exemplifies the richness and diversity of Eastern Orthodox spirituality.