Christianfeast day:
Abadiu of Antinoe(Coptic Church), Earliest day on whichFeast of the Holy Familycan fall, celebrated on Sunday after Christmas or 30 if Christmas falls on a Sunday., James the Just(Eastern Orthodox Church), Saint Stephen(Western Church), Synaxis of the Theotokos(Eastern Orthodox Church), December 26 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
A Christian feast day honoring figures such as Saint Stephen, James the Just, and the Synaxis of the Theotokos, observed across Coptic, Eastern Orthodox, and Western churches.
December 26 marks several Christian commemorations around the world. The Coptic Church celebrates Abadiu of Antinoe, a martyred bishop, while Eastern Orthodox Christians honor James the Just, regarded as the first Bishop of Jerusalem. Western churches observe Saint Stephen, recognized as the first Christian martyr, with liturgical readings and special services. The Feast of the Holy Family may also fall on this date, celebrated on the Sunday after Christmas or on December 30 if Christmas Day is a Sunday. Eastern Orthodox liturgics include the Synaxis of the Theotokos, a gathering in honor of Mary, the Mother of God. These observances reflect the diversity of Christian traditions and their shared focus on faith, sacrifice, and familial devotion.
feast day
Abadiu of Antinoe
Coptic Church
Feast of the Holy Family
James the Just
Eastern Orthodox Church
Saint Stephen
Western Church
Synaxis of the Theotokos
December 26 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
The second day of theTwelve Days of Christmas(Western Christianity)
Second day of Christmas (Public holiday inthe Netherlands, Poland and Slovakia)
The second day of Christmas continues the festive season in Western Christianity and is a public holiday in the Netherlands, Poland, and Slovakia.
In Western Christian tradition, December 26 is celebrated as the second day of the Twelve Days of Christmas, following Christmas Day. Liturgical services emphasize gratitude for the Nativity and include special prayers and hymns. In the Netherlands, Poland, and Slovakia, this day is observed as a public holiday, with families gathering for meals and extended celebrations. Gift exchanges may continue, and many attend additional church services. Cultural events, such as concerts and performances, mark the occasion in urban centers. This period of festivity underscores the enduring joy and communal spirit of the Christmas season.
Twelve Days of Christmas
the Netherlands
Abadiu of Antinoe(Coptic Church)
A feast day in the Coptic Orthodox Church honoring Saint Abadiu of Antinoe.
Saint Abadiu of Antinoe is commemorated on December 26 in the Coptic Orthodox liturgical calendar. He is remembered as a devoted bishop and martyr who served the early Christian community. Coptic believers attend special liturgical services that include prayers, hymns, and readings dedicated to his memory. The observance reflects on his steadfast faith and sacrifice in the face of persecution. Through this feast, the faithful draw inspiration to live courageously and compassionately. It reinforces the continuity of the Coptic tradition and its veneration of saints.
Abadiu of Antinoe
Coptic Church
Earliest day on whichFeast of the Holy Familycan fall, celebrated on Sunday after Christmas or 30 if Christmas falls on a Sunday.
Marks the earliest possible date for the Feast of the Holy Family, honoring Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.
The Feast of the Holy Family is a liturgical celebration in the Roman Catholic Church honoring the familial bond of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Established in the liturgical reforms of 1969, it is celebrated on the Sunday within the Octave of Christmas, or as early as December 26 when Christmas falls on a Sunday. The feast highlights the virtues of faith, love, and obedience exemplified by the Holy Family. Parishes hold special Masses, readings, and reflections focusing on family life and Christian values. It encourages the faithful to strengthen their own family relationships in the spirit of harmony and devotion. Educational activities and community gatherings often accompany the liturgy to promote family welfare.
Feast of the Holy Family
James the Just(Eastern Orthodox Church)
The Eastern Orthodox Church's feast day commemorating Saint James the Just, the brother of Jesus.
Saint James the Just, also known as James the Elder, is honored on December 26 in the Eastern Orthodox liturgical calendar. He is remembered as the first bishop of Jerusalem and a pillar of the early Church. Orthodox believers attend the Divine Liturgy where hymns and prayers celebrate his teachings and leadership. The day includes readings from his epistle and accounts of his martyrdom. Traditions emphasize his role in bridging Jewish and Gentile communities within early Christianity. The feast inspires the faithful to uphold justice, humility, and service in their spiritual lives.
James the Just
Eastern Orthodox Church
Saint Stephen(Western Church)
A Western Christian feast day honoring Saint Stephen, celebrated on December 26.
Saint Stephen, recognized as the first Christian martyr, is commemorated on December 26 in Western Christian denominations. According to the Acts of the Apostles, he was stoned to death for his unwavering proclamation of faith. Churches hold special services that include readings about his life and martyrdom as well as the singing of hymns dedicated to his memory. In some cultures, the day also evolved into Boxing Day, a time for charitable giving and community outreach. Traditions vary from sermons emphasizing courage in faith to carol singing and festive meals. The feast of Saint Stephen highlights themes of sacrifice, compassion, and the enduring strength of belief.
Saint Stephen
Western Church
Synaxis of the Theotokos(Eastern Orthodox Church)
An Eastern Orthodox celebration honoring the Theotokos, the Mother of God, on December 26.
The Synaxis of the Theotokos is observed on December 26 in the Eastern Orthodox Church, immediately following the Nativity of Christ. The term 'Synaxis' means a gathering of the faithful to honor the role of Mary in salvation history. Liturgical services include hymns, prayers, and readings that reflect on her obedience and maternal care. Icons of the Virgin Mary are venerated, and congregants offer candles and incense. The feast underscores Mary's unique position as the Mother of God and her example of humility and devotion. It strengthens the spiritual bond of the Orthodox community through shared worship and reflection.
Synaxis of the Theotokos
December 26 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
A liturgical commemoration in the Eastern Orthodox Church marking various saints and events on December 26.
In Eastern Orthodox liturgics, December 26 is dedicated to multiple commemorations, including Saint James the Just and the Synaxis of the Theotokos. The day's services bring together hymns, scripture readings, and prayers that honor these key figures in early Christianity. Faithful participate in the Divine Liturgy and may receive special blessings associated with the saints of this date. The combined remembrance highlights the continuity of the apostolic tradition and the role of the Virgin Mary in the mystery of Christ's incarnation. It fosters a sense of unity as believers reflect on the lives of the saints and their witness to the faith. The observance reinforces theological themes of redemption, leadership, and maternal intercession.
December 26 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
Second day of Christmas (Public holiday inthe Netherlands, Poland and Slovakia)
Observed on December 26, the Second Day of Christmas continues the festive celebrations following Christmas Day, recognized as a public holiday in the Netherlands, Poland, and Slovakia.
Falling on December 26, the Second Day of Christmas is a continuation of the Christian festival that began on Christmas Day.
It is officially a public holiday in the Netherlands (Tweede Kerstdag), Poland (Drugi Dzień Świąt Bożego Narodzenia), and Slovakia (Druhý sviatok vianočný).
Families attend church services, gather for festive meals, and often host friends and neighbors in an atmosphere of goodwill.
In many traditions, the day also commemorates Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr, linking it to charitable works and outreach.
Businesses, schools, and government offices close, allowing communities to carry on with holiday merrymaking and reflection.
Though solemn in parts of the world, it remains a joyful time marked by music, feasting, and the warm company of loved ones.
the Netherlands