September 22

Holidays & Observances - Religious Festivals

Christianfeast days:

Candidus, Digna and Emerita, Emmeram of Regensburg, Felix and Constantia, Ignatius of Santhià (Lorenzo Maurizio Belvisotti), Laud of Coutances, Maurice(Western Christianity), Paul Chong Hasang(one of TheKorean Martyrs), Phocas (the Gardener, or of Sinope), Phocas, Bishop of Sinope, Sadalberga, Saintin (Sanctinus) de Meaux, Septimius of Iesi(this date since 1623), Theban Legion, Thomas of Villanova, Philander Chase(Episcopal Church), September 22 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)

A collection of Christian feast days honoring various saints celebrated by Western and Eastern Christian traditions.
In the Christian liturgical calendar, September 22 is designated for commemorating a diverse group of saints and martyrs. Western churches honor figures such as Saints Candidus, Digna and Emerita, Emmeram of Regensburg, Felix and Constantia, and Ignatius of Santhià. The Eastern Orthodox Church also observes saints like Sadalberga, Saintin of Meaux, and the members of the Theban Legion on this date. This convergence of feasts reflects the rich tapestry of early Christian history and the enduring legacy of those who exemplified faith under persecution. Services may include special readings, hymns, and processions in cathedrals and parish churches. Eastern Orthodox liturgics often feature elaborate liturgies, icons, and communal prayers dedicated to the memory of these saints. Faithful across denominations use this day to reflect on spiritual heritage and draw inspiration from the steadfast witness of past generations.
feast days Candidus Digna and Emerita Emmeram of Regensburg Felix and Constantia Ignatius of Santhià (Lorenzo Maurizio Belvisotti) Laud of Coutances Maurice Western Christianity Paul Chong Hasang Korean Martyrs Phocas (the Gardener, or of Sinope) Phocas, Bishop of Sinope Sadalberga Saintin (Sanctinus) de Meaux Septimius of Iesi Theban Legion Thomas of Villanova Philander Chase Episcopal Church September 22 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)

Earliest date for theautumnal equinoxin the Northern Hemisphere and thevernal equinoxin the Southern Hemisphere:

Autumnal Equinox Day(Japan), Mabonin the Northern Hemisphere,Ostarain the Southern Hemisphere. (NeopaganWheel of the Year), The first day ofMiķeļi(Latvia)

Marks the earliest possible date of the autumnal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere and the vernal equinox in the Southern Hemisphere, celebrated by various cultures.
Astronomically, the equinox occurs when the sun crosses the celestial equator, resulting in nearly equal day and night. While the precise timing varies each year, September 22 can represent the earliest date for the autumnal equinox up north and the vernal equinox down south. In Japan, this date is observed as Autumnal Equinox Day, a national holiday that honors ancestors and encourages visits to family graves. Neopagan communities celebrate Mabon in the Northern Hemisphere and Ostara in the Southern Hemisphere as part of the Wheel of the Year festivals, marking seasonal transitions with rituals and feasts. In Latvia, the harvest festival Miķeļi combines folk traditions, music, and community gatherings to give thanks for the year's bounty. Across cultures, this equinox date inspires reflection on balance, renewal, and the rhythms of nature. The convergence of science, culture, and spirituality makes September 22 a day of both observance and wonder.
autumnal equinox vernal equinox Autumnal Equinox Day Mabon Ostara Neopagan Wheel of the Year Miķeļi Latvia

Candidus

Commemorates Saint Candidus, an early Christian martyr honored in various traditions.
Candidus

Digna and Emerita

Honors Saints Digna and Emerita, early Christian martyrs remembered for their faith.
Digna and Emerita

Emmeram of Regensburg

Observes the feast day of Saint Emmeram of Regensburg, a bishop and martyr venerated in the medieval church.
Emmeram of Regensburg

Felix and Constantia

A feast day honoring Saints Felix and Constantia, early Christian martyrs revered for their steadfast faith.
Saints Felix and Constantia are venerated as early Christian martyrs whose unwavering faith inspired their community. Although the details of their lives remain obscure, tradition holds that they were siblings who bore witness to Christ in the face of persecution. Their story has encouraged generations of believers to stand firm in their convictions. On September 22, Christian communities commemorate their lives through prayer and liturgical celebrations. Their example invites reflection on courage, loyalty, and the enduring power of faith.
Felix and Constantia

Ignatius of Santhià (Lorenzo Maurizio Belvisotti)

A celebration of Saint Ignatius of Santhià, a Capuchin friar renowned for his humility and spiritual guidance.
Saint Ignatius of Santhià was born Lorenzo Maurizio Belvisotti in 1686 and entered the Capuchin Order, dedicating his life to prayer and service. Renowned for his humble lifestyle and deep compassion, he guided countless pilgrims and penitents through spiritual retreats. His writings and example influenced the Franciscan tradition's emphasis on simplicity and charity. Canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2002, his legacy endures in the hearts of the faithful. On September 22, the Church commemorates his commitment to spiritual growth and heartfelt devotion.
Ignatius of Santhià (Lorenzo Maurizio Belvisotti)

Laud of Coutances

A feast day honoring Saint Laud of Coutances, remembered for his pastoral care in early medieval Normandy.
Saint Laud served as bishop of the diocese of Coutances in sixth-century Gaul, guiding his flock through transition and change. He is credited with strengthening Christian worship and fostering charitable works in his community. While historical records are limited, local tradition credits him with miracles and steadfast leadership. His devotion helped lay the foundations for the Church's growth in Normandy. On September 22, believers remember his service and seek inspiration from his example of pastoral dedication.
Laud of Coutances

Maurice(Western Christianity)

A celebration of Saint Maurice, commander of the Theban Legion and a symbol of unwavering fidelity to faith.
Saint Maurice led the Theban Legion, an elite Roman unit from Egypt, and stood against orders to persecute Christians. Accompanied by his soldiers, he chose martyrdom over compromising his beliefs, likely around the third century. His sacrifice resonated throughout Christendom as a powerful testimony to courage and loyalty. Over the centuries, his cult spread, inspiring art, liturgy, and devotion across Europe. On September 22, the Church honors Saint Maurice’s witness and the memory of the Theban Legion’s heroism.
Maurice Western Christianity

Paul Chong Hasang(one of TheKorean Martyrs)

A feast day commemorating Saint Paul Chong Hasang, a leading figure among the Korean Martyrs.
Born in 1795, Paul Chong Hasang emerged as a devoted lay leader supporting the underground Church in Korea during severe persecution. He provided spiritual guidance and material aid to fellow believers despite constant danger. Arrested for his unwavering faith, he was martyred in 1839, offering his life as a testament to his convictions. Canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1984, he stands as a symbol of resilience and courage. On September 22, Christians honor his memory and the broader legacy of the Korean Martyrs.
Paul Chong Hasang Korean Martyrs

Phocas (the Gardener, or of Sinope)

A celebration of Saint Phocas the Gardener, an early Christian martyr famed for his kindness and hospitality.
Saint Phocas of Sinope, known as Phocas the Gardener, welcomed and cared for persecuted Christians during a time of intense oppression. When mistaken for a visiting bishop, he chose to protect his flock by accepting arrest and martyrdom. His life demonstrates how simple acts of kindness can become profound witnesses to faith. Over the centuries, his story inspired believers to see daily work as a path to holiness. On September 22, his feast reminds the Church of the gospel call to serve others with humility and love.
Phocas (the Gardener, or of Sinope)

Phocas, Bishop of Sinope

A feast day honoring Saint Phocas, Bishop of Sinope, revered for his pastoral leadership and martyrdom.
Saint Phocas served as bishop in the ancient city of Sinope, guiding his congregation through persecution and hardship. He is remembered for his courage in defending the faith and his willingness to suffer rather than betray his community. Tradition holds that he was executed for refusing to abandon his Christian convictions. His example fortified the early Church and emboldened fellow believers. On September 22, the Church commemorates his life, celebrating his role as shepherd and martyr.
Phocas, Bishop of Sinope