December 22

On December 22, the Eastern Orthodox Church commemorates Saint Anastasia of Sirmium, an early Christian martyr known as 'Deliverer from Potions' for her healing prayers against poison. Frances Xavier Cabrini, founder of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart, is honored outside the United States. The Episcopal Church (USA) remembers missionary Henry Budd, Lakota Episcopal priest, and Lottie Moon, a Southern Baptist missionary. Lesser-known saints, including Eimhin and Ernan, Son of Eogan, are also celebrated. Liturgical readings and hymns for this date focus on faith under persecution and missionary zeal, with special church services in many communities.

Saint Anastasia of Sirmium was a 4th-century Christian martyr famous for her charitable work and healing miracles, especially as the 'Deliverer from Potions.' Tradition holds that she cared for imprisoned Christians, distributed aid, and prayed for the sick. Her feast day involves special liturgical services, hymns, and the veneration of her icon in Orthodox churches. Worshippers invoke her intercession against poison and illness. The commemoration highlights faith, compassion, and the courage to stand for one's beliefs.

December 22 marks the feast day of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini outside the United States. She was born in 1850 in Italy and founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Known for her tireless work with immigrants, she established schools, hospitals, and orphanages across the Americas. In 1946 she became the first U.S. citizen to be canonized as a saint. She is the patroness of immigrants and hospital administrators. Communities worldwide honor her legacy on this day with special masses and charitable activities.

As part of the Advent liturgy, the 'O Antiphons' are short verses sung from December 17 to 23. "O Rex" (Latin for "O King") is the sixth antiphon, traditionally used in Vespers on December 22. It addresses Christ as the royal Messiah who will rule with justice and peace. Each antiphon elaborates on a title from Isaiah's prophecies of the Messiah. The texts have inspired hymns and have become popular devotional prayers during Advent.

Henry Budd was born around 1812 and became the first Native American (Cree) to be ordained in the Church of England. He established mission schools and translated religious texts into the Cree language. His ministry among Indigenous communities in Canada left a lasting spiritual and cultural legacy. The Episcopal Church (USA) added his name to its calendar of saints, commemorating his life and work on this date. Observances include special liturgies, prayers, and discussions on Indigenous Christian history.

Lottie Moon (1840-1912) was an American missionary whose boundless zeal transformed Christian outreach in northern China. Over four decades she championed women's education, healthcare, and the translation of religious materials. Her heartfelt letters to U.S. supporters sparked the annual Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, still funding global missions. The Episcopal Church honors her unwavering dedication on December 22, reminding congregations of their missionary call. Observances include liturgical readings, mission-focused sermons, and charitable giving initiatives.

The Eastern Orthodox Church commemorates a selection of prophets, martyrs, and monastic saints on this day. Among those remembered are Prophet Habakkuk, Saint Anastasia the Patrician, and Saint Nimphidius. Services often include the reading of festal hymns, vespers, and the Lesser Blessing of Waters in some traditions. Observances vary between jurisdictions following the Old and New Calendars, affecting the date's celebration. Faithful honor the day with prayers, fasting, and reflections on the lives of the saints commemorated. This date falls within the Nativity Fast, a period of preparation before Christmas, influencing liturgical practices.