Christianfeast day:
Acacius, Hirenarchus, and companions, of Sebaste, Catherine Labouré, Feast of the Holy Sovereigns(Episcopal Diocese of Hawaii), Herman of Alaska, the anniversary of his actual death.Eastern Orthodox, James of the Marches, KamehamehaandEmma(Episcopal Church (USA)), Our Lady of Kibeho, Pope Gregory III, Rufus (no. 8), Stephen the Younger, November 28 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
The Christian feast on November 28 commemorates various saints and holy events across Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Anglican traditions.
On November 28, the Christian liturgical calendar honors a diverse group of saints and commemorations across denominations.
Eastern Orthodox churches remember Acacius and his companions of Sebaste, Stephen the Younger, and Rufus the Hermit among others.
Roman Catholics celebrate Saint Catherine Labouré, known for the Miraculous Medal, and Pope Gregory III.
The Episcopal Church holds the Feast of the Holy Sovereigns in Hawaii and honors King Kamehameha and Queen Emma.
Our Lady of Kibeho is also venerated, recalling Marian apparitions in Rwanda.
Observances include special liturgies, prayers, hymns, processions, and readings that reflect on the lives of the saints.
feast day
Acacius, Hirenarchus, and companions, of Sebaste
Catherine Labouré
Feast of the Holy Sovereigns
Episcopal Diocese of Hawaii
Herman of Alaska
Eastern Orthodox
James of the Marches
Kamehameha
Emma
Episcopal Church (USA)
Our Lady of Kibeho
Pope Gregory III
Rufus (no. 8)
Stephen the Younger
November 28 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
Hōonkō(Japan)
Hōonkō is the annual memorial service in Jōdo Shinshū Buddhism honoring the death anniversary of its founder, Shinran Shonin, held late November.
Hōonkō commemorates the passing of Shinran Shonin (1173–1263), the founder of the Jōdo Shinshū tradition of Pure Land Buddhism.
Held between November 28 and December 2 at Jōdo Shinshū temples worldwide, it is the sect's most important observance.
Ceremonies include chanting of hymns (Oshōdoku), recitations of the founder's writings, and teachings by head priests.
Followers participate in communal meals and reflect on gratitude to Shinran and the compassion of Amida Buddha.
Temples welcome visitors for services, tea gatherings, and guidance on Pure Land practice.
Hōonkō reinforces community bonds and the spiritual heritage of Jōdo Shinshū Buddhism.
Hōonkō
Japan
Acacius, Hirenarchus, and companions, of Sebaste
Feast day honoring Saints Acacius, Hirenarchus, and their companions who were martyred at Sebaste for their Christian faith.
Observed on November 28, this feast commemorates a group of early fourth-century Christian soldiers from Sebaste (modern-day Sivas, Turkey) who chose martyrdom over renouncing their faith. Liturgical services include readings of their martyrdom accounts, hymns celebrating their courage, and prayers for steadfastness in adversity. In both Eastern Orthodox and Catholic traditions, icons depicting the holy companions are venerated, emphasizing the power of witness over persecution. The feast inspires believers to reflect on the strength of conviction and the hope offered by faith even in the face of suffering. It remains a testament to the endurance of early Christian communities under Roman rule.
Acacius, Hirenarchus, and companions, of Sebaste
Catherine Labouré
Feast of Saint Catherine Labouré, the French nun whose Marian visions led to the creation of the Miraculous Medal.
Saint Catherine Labouré (1806–1876) was a Daughter of Charity in Paris who experienced three apparitions of the Virgin Mary in 1830. Mary entrusted her with the design of the Miraculous Medal, a widely revered sacramental among Catholics. Celebrated on November 28, her feast day includes Mass, recitation of the Rosary, and veneration of her relics at the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal on Rue du Bac. Pilgrims travel from around the world seeking spiritual grace and healing through Catherine’s intercession. The day highlights Catherine’s humility, obedience, and service to the poor, inviting the faithful to embrace Marian devotion and acts of charity.
Catherine Labouré
Feast of the Holy Sovereigns(Episcopal Diocese of Hawaii)
The Episcopal Diocese of Hawaii honors King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma on their Feast of the Holy Sovereigns.
Celebrated on November 28, this feast commemorates King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma as the Holy Sovereigns for their dedication to the Anglican Church and the welfare of the Hawaiian people. The royal couple established the first Anglican Diocese in Hawaii and founded The Queen’s Medical Center to care for the sick and impoverished. Liturgical services feature prayers of thanksgiving, hymns, and scripture readings that reflect their legacy of faith, education, and healthcare. Special gatherings and community outreach programs often accompany the observance, reinforcing the intersection of spiritual life and civic responsibility. The feast invites reflection on leadership grounded in service and the unique blend of Hawaiian tradition and Christian faith.
Feast of the Holy Sovereigns
Episcopal Diocese of Hawaii
Herman of Alaska, the anniversary of his actual death.Eastern Orthodox
Eastern Orthodox commemoration of Saint Herman of Alaska on the anniversary of his death.
Saint Herman of Alaska (1756–1837) was the first Orthodox missionary to North America, known for his compassionate care of the Aleut people on Kodiak Island. The Eastern Orthodox Church commemorates his repose on November 28 with Divine Liturgy, hymns, and readings that recount his missionary labors and ascetic life. Pilgrims often visit St. Herman’s Monastery on Spruce Island, where his relics are venerated. Services emphasize Herman’s humility, hospitality, and dedication to bridging cultural divides through Christian witness. The feast inspires Orthodox faithful to emulate his spirit of service, prayer, and evangelism in their own communities. It stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Orthodox mission in America.
Herman of Alaska
Eastern Orthodox
James of the Marches
Feast of Saint James of the Marches, a Franciscan friar renowned for his preaching and reform efforts.
Saint James of the Marches (1394–1476) was a Franciscan known for his fervent preaching, missionary journeys, and monastic reforms across Italy and the Balkans. Observed on November 28, his feast day includes readings from his writings on penitence and conversion, along with hymns praising his dedication to evangelical poverty and pastoral care. Pilgrims visit churches associated with his ministry in the Marche region, reflecting on his miracles and intercessory power. Liturgical observances emphasize themes of renewal, humility, and the transformative potential of faith. The celebration encourages believers to pursue personal and communal reform in the spirit of Franciscan ideals.
James of the Marches
KamehamehaandEmma(Episcopal Church (USA))
Episcopal Church (USA) feast commemorating King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma as Holy Sovereigns.
The Episcopal Church (USA) observes the Feast of Kamehameha and Emma on November 28 in honor of the Hawaiian monarchs’ contributions to the Anglican tradition and social welfare. Authorized by the General Convention, the celebration includes Eucharistic services, prayers of thanksgiving, and special liturgies reflecting their roles in founding the Anglican Diocese and The Queen’s Medical Center. The observance extends beyond Hawaii, inviting Episcopalians nationwide to reflect on the intersection of faith, leadership, and community service. Hymns and readings highlight the sovereign couple’s devotion to education, healthcare, and cultural preservation. The feast underscores the global reach of the Episcopal Church and its capacity to embrace diverse histories and traditions.
Kamehameha
Emma
Episcopal Church (USA)
Our Lady of Kibeho
Catholic feast honoring the Marian apparitions at Kibeho, Rwanda, in the 1980s.
Beginning in 1981, several schoolgirls in Kibeho, Rwanda reported visions of the Virgin Mary conveying messages of repentance, prayer, and warnings of future tragedy. In 2001, the Vatican officially recognized the apparitions, and November 28 was designated as the feast of Our Lady of Kibeho. Pilgrims from across Africa and beyond travel to the Kibeho shrine for Mass, processions, and prayer vigils seeking peace and healing. Devotions include the Rosary, Eucharistic adoration, and recounting of the seers’ testimonies. The feast emphasizes themes of reconciliation, prophecy, and spiritual renewal in the context of Rwanda’s history. It stands as a powerful testament to Mary's enduring presence and intercession in times of crisis.
Our Lady of Kibeho
Pope Gregory III
Feast of Pope Gregory III, remembered for his defense of icon veneration and liturgical reforms.
Pope Gregory III (died 741) led the Church during an era of iconoclastic controversy, staunchly defending the veneration of sacred images against Byzantine imperial edicts. Honored on November 28, his feast day features liturgical readings that highlight his synods in Rome and his diplomatic efforts with the Lombards. Gregory supported missionary work among the Frisians and strengthened ecclesiastical discipline throughout the papal states. Churches commemorating his feast often display icons and artworks inspired by his theological legacy. The celebration serves as a reminder of the vital role of art in worship, the importance of papal leadership, and the courage to uphold tradition amid doctrinal challenges.
Pope Gregory III
Rufus (no. 8)
Commemoration of Saint Rufus—an early Christian martyr venerated for his steadfast faith and ultimate sacrifice under Roman persecution.
Saint Rufus is commemorated on November 28 in the Eastern Orthodox liturgical calendar.
Although details of his life are scarce, tradition holds that he was martyred during early persecutions of Christians.
He is celebrated for his unwavering faith and steadfast endurance under Roman torture and execution.
The day's Divine Liturgy includes hymns (troparia and kontakia) dedicated to his memory.
Orthodox Christians honor him as an inspiring example of sacrifice and spiritual courage.
His legacy encourages believers to remain steadfast in faith amidst personal trials.
Rufus (no. 8)
Stephen the Younger
Remembrance of St. Stephen the Younger—an 8th-century Byzantine monk and defender of icon veneration, honored as a martyr in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
St. Stephen the Younger is remembered on November 28 as an 8th-century Byzantine monk and fervent defender of sacred icons.
Born near Constantinople, he became a spiritual father on Mount Auxentius and boldly opposed the iconoclast policies of Emperor Constantine V.
His outspoken support for icon veneration led to his arrest, torture, and martyrdom in 764 AD.
Orthodox liturgical services on this day feature specific hymns reflecting his zeal and martyrdom.
His life and sacrifice are celebrated as a triumph of Orthodoxy over theological persecution.
Devotees invoke his intercession for courage in defending the true faith.
Stephen the Younger