The Archangel Gabriel's announcement to the Virgin Mary that she would bear the Son of God. Celebrated on March 25th, exactly nine months before Christmas, this feast honors Mary's "Yes" to God's plan of salvation. The service emphasizes both the Incarnation of Christ and the Theotokos's role in our redemption.

The celebration of Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem, when crowds welcomed Him with palm branches. This feast begins Holy Week and is marked by the blessing and procession of palm branches (or pussy willows in northern climates). The service combines joy for Christ's kingship with anticipation of His upcoming Passion.

The Patriarch of Moscow who led the Russian Orthodox Church through the Communist persecution. Celebrated on April 7th, Tikhon was elected Patriarch in 1917 and courageously opposed Soviet attempts to control the Church. He defended Orthodox faith and clergy during the most difficult period of Russian Church history. He represents faithful leadership under persecution.

The sacrament of ordination to the threefold ministry of bishop, priest, or deacon. Ordinations take place during the Divine Liturgy, with deacons ordained after the consecration of the gifts, priests after the Great Entrance, and bishops after the Little Entrance. The bishop lays hands on the ordinand while the people sing "Axios!" ("He is worthy!"). Through ordination, the Holy Spirit grants the grace needed for ministry. Only men may be ordained, and bishops must be celibate monastics, while priests and deacons may be married before ordination.

The "Feast of Feasts" celebrating Christ's Resurrection from the dead. The most important celebration in the Orthodox Church, Pascha determines the date of all moveable feasts. The service begins with the joyful midnight proclamation "Christ is Risen!" and continues with the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom.