ChristianFeast Day:
Abassad(Coptic Church), Behnam, Sarah, and the Forty Martyrs(Coptic Church), Dagobert II, John Cantius, O Emmanuel, Psote(Coptic Church), Thorlac Thorhallsson, patron saint ofIceland; The last day of preparations beforeChristmas., Victoria, December 23 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
Multiple Christian feast days observed by various denominations on December 23.
December 23 is marked by multiple Christian feast days across various denominations.
In the Coptic Church, it commemorates saints such as Abassad, Psote, and the Forty Martyrs alongside Behnam and Sarah.
The Roman Catholic Church honors Dagobert II and John Cantius, while Eastern Orthodox liturgics remember O Emmanuel and Saint Victoria.
Iceland celebrates its patron saint Thorlac Thorhallsson on this day.
Traditionally, it is considered the last day of preparations before Christmas, inviting the faithful to reflection and anticipation.
Feast Day
Abassad
Coptic Church
Behnam, Sarah, and the Forty Martyrs
Coptic Church
Dagobert II
John Cantius
O Emmanuel
Psote
Coptic Church
Thorlac Thorhallsson
Iceland
Christmas
Victoria
December 23 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
Abassad(Coptic Church)
Feast day of Saint Abassad in the Coptic Orthodox Church, honoring his faith and martyrdom.
Saint Abassad is commemorated on December 23 in the Coptic Orthodox liturgical calendar.
He is revered for his unwavering devotion to Christian teachings during periods of persecution.
On this feast day, Coptic communities gather for special liturgical services and prayers.
Clergy deliver homilies reflecting on his legacy of courage and faith.
The celebration fosters spiritual reflection and communal solidarity among believers.
Abassad
Coptic Church
Behnam, Sarah, and the Forty Martyrs(Coptic Church)
Coptic Orthodox feast honoring Princes Behnam and Sarah alongside the Forty Martyrs, celebrated for their steadfast faith.
Saints Behnam and Sarah and the Forty Martyrs are honored on December 23 in the Coptic Church.
According to tradition, they embraced Christianity against royal opposition and suffered martyrdom.
Pilgrims visit ancient monasteries linked to their story in Upper Egypt to pay respects.
The day features liturgical chants, readings of their hagiography, and communal prayers.
Their feast highlights themes of conversion, sacrifice, and divine deliverance in Coptic spirituality.
Behnam, Sarah, and the Forty Martyrs
Coptic Church
John Cantius
Feast day of Saint John Cantius, Polish priest, theologian, and patron saint of students.
Saint John Cantius (1390–1473) was a scholar-priest renowned for his humility and academic achievements.
As a professor at the University of Kraków, he combined rigorous scholarship with deep piety.
He was celebrated for acts of charity, including feeding the poor and caring for the sick.
His feast on December 23 inspires students to balance intellectual pursuits with compassion.
Devotees often seek his intercession for success in studies and spiritual growth.
John Cantius
O Emmanuel
The antiphon 'O Emmanuel' is chanted on December 23, expressing anticipation for the coming of Christ.
'O Emmanuel' is the seventh of the O Antiphons used in Western Christian liturgy during Advent.
Recited or sung on the evening of December 23, it invokes the prophecy of Matthew on the Messiah's arrival.
The antiphon's Latin text and its beautiful melody have inspired hymns such as "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel."
This tradition fosters a spirit of spiritual preparation and hope in the final days before Christmas.
Across churches, congregations meditate on the names and promises of the divine presence with faithful fervor.
O Emmanuel
Psote(Coptic Church)
Feast day of Saint Psote in the Coptic Orthodox Church, honoring his devotion and leadership.
Saint Psote, also known as Bisada, is commemorated on December 23 in Coptic tradition.
He is venerated for his exemplary faith and role in early Christian monastic life.
Worshippers attend liturgies featuring psalms and hymns dedicated to his virtues.
Clerics reflect on his contributions to the spiritual formation of the Coptic community.
His feast day reinforces themes of asceticism, piety, and divine guidance in the church.
Psote
Coptic Church
Thorlac Thorhallsson, patron saint ofIceland; The last day of preparations beforeChristmas.
Known as Þorláksmessa in Iceland, this day honors Saint Thorlac and marks the last preparations before Christmas.
Þorláksmessa, observed on December 23, celebrates Saint Thorlac, patron saint of Iceland.
Followers attend church services to honor his legacy of compassion and pastoral care.
It is traditionally regarded as the final day of Christmas preparations before the festivities.
Icelanders enjoy seasonal foods and gather for community events following the liturgies.
The blend of religious reverence and local customs makes Þorláksmessa a cherished national tradition.
Thorlac Thorhallsson
Iceland
Christmas
Victoria
Feast of Saint Victoria, a martyr honored in Eastern Christian traditions for her steadfast faith.
Saint Victoria is commemorated on December 23 in the Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic calendars.
She endured trials and martyrdom rather than renounce her Christian beliefs under persecution.
Her courage became an enduring symbol of faith for early Christian communities.
Believers honor her memory with liturgical hymns and prayers reflecting on her sacrifice.
Her feast inspires Christians to remain steadfast in their convictions amid adversity.
Victoria
December 23 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
The Eastern Orthodox Church commemorates a variety of saints and observances on December 23.
On December 23, the Eastern Orthodox liturgical calendar celebrates multiple saints and feasts.
These include local martyrs, monastic fathers, and hymns such as O Emmanuel in Vespers services.
Churches hold special liturgies, readings, and prayers to honor these varied commemorations.
Faithful gather for Vespers, reflecting on the spiritual themes of anticipation and divine mercy.
The day's rich tapestry of observances highlights the depth and diversity of Orthodox spirituality.
December 23 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)