The Great Twelve Feasts of Christ, handmade Russian icon. Early 19th Century.

Icon of The Great Twelve Feasts of Christ.

Handmade Russian icon, early 19th C. (1810-1830)

The icon is in very good condition. It is made in four different levels,

First wood, second canvas, third gold leaf and fourth the painting level.

Size: 31.5x26.5 cm, 12.4x10.4 inch.

In the Eastern Orthodox Church, the feast of the Resurrection of Jesus, called Pascha (Easter), is the greatest of all holy days and as such it is called the "feast of feasts". Immediately below it in importance, there is a group of Twelve Great Feasts (Greek: Δωδεκάορτον). Together with Pascha, these are the most significant dates on the Orthodox liturgical calendar. Eight of the great feasts are in honor of Jesus Christ, while the other four are dedicated to the Virgin Mary — the Theotokos.[1]

The Twelve Great Feasts are as follows (note that the liturgical year begins with the month of September):

1. The Nativity of the Theotokos, 8 September
2. The Exaltation of the Cross, 14 September
3. The Presentation of the Theotokos, 21 November
4. The Nativity of Christ/Christmas, 25 December
5. The Baptism of Christ — Theophany, also called Epiphany, 6 January
6. The Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, 2 February
7. The Annunciation, 25 March
8. The Sunday before Pascha (Easter) — the Entry into Jerusalem or Flowery/Willow/Palm Sunday
9. Forty Days after Pascha (Easter) — the Ascension of Christ
10. Fifty Days after Pascha (Easter) — Pentecost
11. The Transfiguration, 6 August
12. The Dormition (Falling Asleep) of the Theotokos, 15 August