2013 - Multifaith calendar

Holy Day Description Impact to Personnel

FEASTS OF SAINT BASIL & CIRCUMCISION OF CHRIST [Orthodox Christian] 1 Jan (Tue)

This feast honors Saint Basil the Great and of Jesus Christ’s honoring the Law through circumcision.

Special worship - Orthodox Christians may seek permission to participate in the celebration.

MARY, MOTHER OF GOD [Catholic Christian] 1 Jan (Tue)

This feast is a celebration of Mary's motherhood of Jesus. Catholics must attend Mass on this day.

Special worship - Christians may seek permission to participate in the celebration of the Eucharist.

EPIPHANY [Orthodox Christian] 6 Jan (Sun) [Christian] 6 Jan (Sun)

This feast recognizes the revealing of Jesus Christ as the light of the world.

Special worship - Christians may seek permission to participate in the celebration.

CHRISTMAS [Orthodox Christian “Old Calendar”] 6 Jan (Sun)

It marks the birth of Jesus Christ for those following the Old Calendar.

Special worship - Orthodox Christians who follow the “old calendar” may seek permission to participate in the celebration.

MAKAR SANKRANT [Hindu] 14 Jan (Mon)

Makar Sankrant is one of the most important festivals of the Hindu calendar and celebrates the sun's journey into the northern hemisphere.

Special celebration - Adherents may seek permission to be excused from non-mission essential functions to celebrate this holy day.

MAWLID AN NABI/EID AL-MAWLID [Islam] 24 Jan (Thu) – Sunni 29 Jan (Tue) – Shia

This day honors the birth of the Prophet Mohammed and is observed by some Muslims with prayer and fasting. It begins at sundown.

Work and food restrictions - Some Muslims may seek permission to reduce or be excused from physical training (including PT Assessments) or limit their time outdoors, duty permitting.

Multifaith Calendar Highlights January 2013


IMBOLC, a.k.a., IMBOLG, OIMELG, BRIGID, BRIGANTIA CANDLEMAS [Wicca/Pagan] 2 Feb (Sat)

This is one of the eight major High Days of the Druid and Wiccan calendar. High Day observances include evening prayer vigils and ritual dances.

Special worship - Wiccans and Druids (any Neo Pagans) on evening work shifts may request time off for High Day observances.

ENTRY OF CHRIST IN THE TEMPLE [Orthodox] 2 Feb (Sat)

This feast recognizes the 40 day old baby Jesus as the Messiah comes to His people in the Jerusalem Temple.

Special worship – Orthodox Christians may seek permission to participate in the celebration.

ASH WEDNESDAY - Lent begins [Christian] 13 Feb (Wed)

This holy day marks the beginning of Lent. Catholic and Liturgical Protestants participate in the imposition of ashes, symbolic of penance at a service.

Special worship and food restriction - Some Christians may seek permission to participate in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist and Imposition of Ashes service.

PARINVANA-NIRVANA DAY [Buddhist] 14 Feb

Mahayana Buddhist festival marking the anniversary of the Buddha’s death.

Special festival - Some Buddhists may seek permission to attend festival.

Fast of Esther 21 Feb (Thu) [Jewish]

This holy day begins on 21 Feb, the Fast of Esther, and is a minor fast from sunrise to sunset.

Special celebration and work restrictions - Some Jews may seek permission to reduce or be excused from physical training (including PT Assessments) or limit their time outdoors, duty permitting and/or request time to participate in celebratory feasts in the evening.

Festival of Purim 24-25 Feb (Sun-Mon) [Jewish]

Purim commemorates the time when the Jewish people living in Persia were saved from extermination through the intervention of Queen Esther. Beginning on 24 Feb, it is a day of joy and revelry, with a required reading of the Book of Esther, feasting, and celebration.

Special celebration and work restrictions – Some Jews may request time to participate in celebratory feasts in the evening. Special note: alcohol consumption is a normative part of the feast day.

Multifaith Calendar Highlights February 2013

Holy Day Description Impact to Personnel GREAT LENT [Orthodox Christian] 18 Mar – 4 May

Fasting starts 47 days before Pascha/Easter along with many special services.

Food restrictions and special worship

OSTARA (Vernal Equinox) [Wicca/Pagan] 20 Mar (Wed)

Spring Equinox celebrations recognize the renewed life of the Earth that comes with the introduction of the spring season. These celebrations are generally limited to evening feasts and/or dances.

Special celebration - Wiccans may seek permission to be excused from non-mission essential functions after duty hours.

PALM SUNDAY [Christian] 24 Mar

The sixth and final Sunday of Lent marks the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and the start of Holy Week.

Special worship - Christians may request permission to attend Palm Sunday services.

HOLI [Hindu] 27 Mar (Wed)

Holi is an ancient spring festival which is referred to in the 7th century Sanskrit drama, Ratnaval. Celebrations include dancing, singing and roasting offerings on burning bonfires. Events typically take place in the evening hours.

Special celebration - Celebrants may request time to observe this occasion.

MAUNDY THURSDAY [Christian] 28 Mar

This solemn observance recognizes the night that Christ was betrayed. It marks Christ’s Last Supper, upon which the Eucharist (mass, communion) is based.

Special worship - Christians may seek permission to participate in the celebration of the Eucharist, usually celebrated in the evening.

Multifaith Calendar Highlights March 2013

Holy Day Description Impact to Personnel Annunciation [Orthodox Christian] 25 Mar (Mon)

This feast marks the conception of Jesus by the Virgin Mary and the Holy Spirit.


PASSOVER a.k.a., PESACH [Jewish] 26 Mar-2 Apr

Passover is one of the most important religious festivals in the Jewish calendar. This holy day marks the start of the season of Passover when Jews commemorate the liberation of Israel. Begins at sundown on 26 Mar until sundown on 2 Apr.

Food restrictions and work restrictions – Food restrictions for eight day and work restrictions for the first two days and last two days. Some Jews may seek permission to observe a Passover Seder on 25 and 26 March in the evening and request leave during this festival.

GOOD FRIDAY [Christian] 29 Mar

This solemn observance recognizes Jesus Christ’s submission to death by crucifixion.

Special worship and food restrictions - Christians may seek permission to participate in a commemorative service. For some Christians, this is a day of fasting.

EASTER [Christian] 31 Mar (Sun)

It marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is one of the most important days in the Christian calendar.

Special worship - Christians may seek permission to participate in the celebration and possibly a worship service at sunrise.

Multifaith Calendar Highlights March 2013 (cont)

Holy Day Description Impact to Personnel DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY [Catholic Christian] 7 Apr

The Feast of Divine Mercy celebrates the Divine Mercy of Jesus Christ, as revealed by Christ Himself to Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska.

Special Worship – Catholics will desire to attend mass.

PALM SUNDAY [Orthodox Christian] 28 Apr

The sixth and final Sunday of Lent marks the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and the start of Holy Week.

Special worship - Christians may request permission to attend Palm Sunday services.

Multifaith Calendar Highlights April 2013


BELTANE (May Day) [Wicca/Pagan] 1 May (Wed)

This is one of the eight major High Days of the Druid and Wiccan calendar. This festival celebrates the coming of summer and the fertility of the coming year. High Day observances include evening prayer vigils and ritual dances.

Celebration service - Wiccans and Druids (any Neo Pagans) on evening work shifts may request time off for High Day observances.

HOLY THURSDAY [Orthodox Christian] 2 May

This solemn observance recognizes the night that Christ was betrayed. It marks Christ’s Last Supper, upon which the Eucharist (mass, communion) is based.

Special worship - Christians may seek permission to participate in the celebration of the Eucharist, usually celebrated in the evening.

HOLY FRIDAY [Orthodox Christian] 3 May

This solemn observance recognizes Jesus Christ’s submission to death by crucifixion.

Special worship and food restrictions - Christians may seek permission to participate in a commemorative service. For some Christians, this is a day of fasting.

EASTER [Orthodox Christian] 5 May (Sun)

It marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is one of the most important days in the Christian calendar.

Special worship - Christians may seek permission to participate in the celebration and possibly a worship service at sunrise.

WESAK (Buddha Day) [Buddhist] 25 May (Sat)

This is the most important of the Buddhist festivals and celebrates the Buddha's birthday, and, for some Buddhists, it also marks his death.

Special celebration - Some Buddhists may seek permission to participate in festival observances.

Multifaith Calendar Highlights May 2013


ASCENSION [Christian] 9 May (Thu) [Othodox Christian] 13 June (Thu)

The feast of the Ascension of Christ marks the raising of Christ to heaven on the 40th day after Easter or Pascha.


SHAVUOT, a.k.a., FEAST OF WEEKS [Jewish] 14-16 May (Tue-Thu)

Shavuot is a two-day festival, also known as the Festival (or Feast) of Weeks, commemorating the Revelation at Sinai and Giving of the Torah. This festival marks the end of the barley harvest and the beginning of the wheat harvest. Begins at sundown on the 14th.

Special festival and work restrictions - Some Jews may seek permission to attend celebrations in the evening and others might request leave for the two-day festival. For some work is forbidden.

PENTECOST [Orthodox Christian] 19 May (Sun)

Celebrates the day when the Holy Spirit came to the disciples and it is traditional for baptisms and confirmations of new Christians.


TRINITY SUNDAY [Catholic Christian] 26 May

Marks the end of the Easter season. Special worship – Some Catholic Christians may request permission to attend Mass.

Multifaith Calendar Highlights May 2013 (cont)

CORPUS CHRISTI [Catholic Christian] 30 May (Sun)

Special Mass to commemorate the Eucharist. Special worship - Some Catholic Christians may request permission to attend Mass.

Holy Day Description Impact to Personnel LITHA, a.k.a., MIDSUMMER EVE (Summer Solstice) [Wicca/Pagan] 21 Jun (Fri)

This is one of the eight major High Days of the Druid and Wiccan calendar. Solstice, Midsummer or Litha means a stopping of the sun. This is a time to celebrate growth and life and to recognize balance in the world and to be aware of the ongoing shifting of the seasons. High Day observances include evening prayer vigils and ritual dances.

Special celebration - Wiccans and Druids (any Neo Pagans) on evening work shifts may request time off for High Day observances.

PENTECOST [Orthodox Christian] 23 Jun (Sun)

Celebrates the day when the Holy Spirit came to the disciples and it is traditional for baptisms and confirmations of new Christians.


17 of Tammuz [Jewish] 25 Jun (Tue)

Recalls the breaking of the Tablets by Moses after the Sin of the Golden Calf. Also laments the breaching of the walls of Jerusalem during the Roman siege, 69 CE.

Food Restrictions - Observances include lengthy penitential prayers and a daylight hour fast from sunrise to sunset on July 8.

FEAST of SAINTS PETER & PAUL [Catholic Christian] 29 Jun (Sat)

This feast honors the martyrdom of the two great Apostles and for missionary activity.

Food restrictions

ALL SAINTS’ DAY [Orthodox Christian] 30 Jun (Sun)

This holy day celebrates the solemnity of All Saints. Special worship – Orthodox Christians may seek permission to participate in the celebration.

Multifaith Calendar Highlights June 2013


RAMADAN *start of* [Islam] 9 Jul (Tue)

This is the holiest period of the Islamic Year. During the holy month, Muslims are required to abstain from food, drink — including water — starting from 1.5 hours before sunrise until sunset. Smoking is also prohibited during these hours. The fast begins on 9 Jul.

Work and food restrictions - Daytime fasting is a part of Ramadan, therefore on especially hot days, Muslims may seek permission to reduce or be excused from physical training (including PT Assessments) or limit their time outdoors, duty permitting.

TISHA B’AV [Jewish] 15-16 Jul (Mon-Tue)

This solemn day of fasting commemorates the destruction of Jerusalem. This fast is observed with fasting and mourning from sundown to sundown. Begins at sundown on 25 Jul

Food and work restrictions - Jewish personnel may seek permission to reduce or be excused from physical training (including PT Assessments) or limit their time outdoors.

ASALA PUJA DAY (Dharma Day) [Buddhist] 22 Jul (Mon)

This is one of the most important days of celebration in the Buddhist religion. This is the anniversary of the start of Buddha’s teaching his first sermon, “The Wheel of Truth”, after his enlightenment. Dharma Day is seen as a chance to express gratitude that the Buddha, and other enlightened teachers, have shared their knowledge with others.

Special celebration - Buddhist personnel may seek permission to participate in services.

Multifaith Calendar Highlights July 2013


FAST OF THE DORMITION [Orthodox Christian] 1 – 14 August

This fast prepares the faithful for the feast of the death of the Virgin Mary and for missionary activity.

Food restrictions

LAMMAS [Wicca/Pagan] 1 Aug (Thu)

This is one of the eight major High Days of the Druid and Wiccan calendar. High Day observances include evening prayer vigils and ritual dances.


TRANSFIGURATION OF CHRIST [Christian] 6 Aug (Tue)

This is a special celebration of the Transfiguration of Christ to his disciples in Galilee.

Special worship – Orthodox & Catholic Christians may seek permission to participate in the celebration.

EID AL-FITR, a.k.a., End of RAMADAN [Islam] 8-11 Aug

It is the first of the two major Muslim holy days (the second being Eid Al-Adha). This holy day is marked by prayers and feasting. On this final day of Ramadan Muslims celebrate the end of fasting.

Work & food restrictions end - Some Muslims may request time for prayer at appointed times during the day and celebratory feasts in the evening.

ASSUMPTION/DORMITION OF THE THEOTOKOS [Catholic & Orthodox Christian] 15 Aug (Thu)

Death and Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary. Catholics are obligated to attend Mass this day.

Special worship – This is a holy day of obligation for Catholics. Orthodox Christians may seek permission to participate in the celebration.

BEHEADING OF JOHN THE BAPTIZER [Orthodox Christian] 29 August (Thu)

This feast honors John the Baptizer of Christ and is also the traditional day tor Orthodox Christians to honor those who have died in the Military.

Special worship and Food Restrictions – Orthodox Christians may seek permission to participate in the celebration.

Multifaith Calendar Highlights August 2013

Multifaith Calendar Highlights September 2013

Holy Day Description Impact to Personnel ROSH HASHANAH [Jewish] 5-6 Sep (Thu-Fri)

Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) begins at sundown on Wednesday, 4 Sep and ends at nightfall on Friday, 6 Sep. Sweet foods are served, symbolizing the hope for a sweet year ahead.

Work restrictions - Jewish personnel are required to abstain from work. This includes but is not limited to writing, carrying, shaving, cooking, doing laundry, touching anything electronic, money or credit cards and operating a motor vehicle or being driven in one. Jews may request time off to celebrate this holiday.

BIRTH OF THE VIRGIN MARY [Catholic/ Orthodox Christian] 8 Sep (Sun)

This celebrates the birth of the Virgin Mary. Special worship – Catholic and Orthodox Christians may seek permission to participate in the celebration.

ELEVATION OF THE HOLY CROSS OF CHRIST [Catholic/Orthodox Christian] 14 Sep (Sat)

This celebrates the finding of the holy cross of Christ in Jerusalem and its elevation in the air for veneration by the faithful.

Special Worship and Food Restrictions – Orthodox/Catholic Christians may seek permission to participate in the celebration.

YOM KIPPUR, a.k.a., YOM TOV [Jewish] 14 Sep (Sat)

Yom Kippur, a day of atonement and a major fast day is one of the most solemn days of the Jewish year. Prayer and fasting characterize this day, with the fast commencing at sundown on 13 Sep, and ending the following night, after sunset on 14 Sep.

Work and food restrictions - Most Jews abstain from all food and water until after sunset; others may observe modified fasts. Evening services are part of this observance, as well as services the whole following day. Jews may seek permission to reduce or be excused from physical training (including PT Assessments) or limit their time outdoors.

SUKKOT, a.k.a., SUCCOTH [Jewish] 18-25 Sep (Wed-Wed)

Dwelling in a “sukkah” booth, waving the palm bundle, and festive meals characterize this major festival. The last two days (26-27) are strict holy days, in which special services are held. This is also known as the Festival of Tabernacles.

Work and food restrictions - Orthodox Jews are required to abstain from work activities. This includes but is not limited to writing, carrying, shaving, cooking, doing laundry, touching anything electronic, money or credit cards and operating a motor vehicle or being driven in one.

MABON (Autumnal Equinox) [Wicca/Pagan] 22 Sep (Sun)

The celebration of the harvest at the time of the autumn equinox, the moment when night and day are equal in length. Celebrations are generally limited to evening feasts and/or dances.

Special celebration - If possible, Wiccans may seek permission to be excused from non-mission essential functions after duty hours.


NAVRATRI [Hindu] 5-13 Oct

Hindu Festival of the divine mother honoring Durga, wife of Shiva, and seeking her blessings. Also observed as a celebration recalling the days of Lord Krishna.

Special worship - Some Hindus may seek additional time off to participate in this nine day celebration, duty permitting.

HAJJ [Islam] 14-17 Oct (Mon-Thu)

The annual Pilgrimage-to-Mecca is required of every Muslim at least once in their lifetime and is considered to be one of the five pillars of Islam. Millions of pilgrims make the journey each year.

Special worship - Muslims desiring leave in order to journey to Mecca (near Medina, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) during this period should be permitted to do so, duty permitting.

EID AL-ADHA [Islam] 15-18 Oct (Tue-Fri) *depending on calendar used

It is the second of the two major Muslim holy days (the first being Eid Al-Fitr). This holy day, a day of sacrifice, is marked by prayers, feasting and the distribution of meat to the poor.

Special worship - Some Muslims may request time for prayer at appointed times during the day and celebratory feasts in the evening.

SAINT DEMETRIUS [Orthodox Christian] 26 October (Sat)

This feast honors Saint Demetrius. Special worship – Orthodox Christians may seek permission to participate in the celebration.

Multifaith Calendar Highlights October 2013

Holy Day Description Impact to Personnel ALL SAINTS’ DAY [Anglican & Catholic Christians] 1 Nov (Fri)

Celebration of the lives of saints (individually honored for their holiness) Anglicans, Catholics & some protestants are morally obliged to observe All Saints Day by participating in the celebration of the Eucharist and by abstaining from unnecessary servile work.

Special worship - Special Worship - Some Christian personnel may request time to participate in the celebration of the Eucharist, but this day is a holy day of obligation for Roman Catholics.

SAMHAIN, a.k.a., HALLOWEEN [Wicca/Druid] 1 Nov (Fri)

This is one of the eight major High Days of the Druid and Wiccan calendar. With origins in Pagan and Celtic traditions, High Day observances include evening prayer vigils and ritual dances.


DIWALI, a.k.a., DEEPAVALI [Hindu] 3 Nov (Sun)

For some Hindus this holy day is celebrated with multifaith fasts; marking the end of the Hindu year.

Special worship - On especially hot days, Hindus practicing the Diwali fast may seek permission to reduce physical training or limit their time outdoors, duty permitting.

Islamic New Year [Islam] 5 Nov (Tue)

Commemorates the Prophet Muhammad’s migration from Mecca to Medina. This marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.

No restrictions

ARCHANGEL MICHAEL [Orthodox Christian] 8 Nov (Fri)

This feast honors Archangel Michael and all of the angels.


Multifaith Calendar Highlights November 2013

Holy Day Description Impact to Personnel ASHURAH, a.k.a., ASHOORA [Islam] 13 Nov (Wed)

This two-day fast is linked with several Islamic observances. Some will fast 12 and 13 Nov, others will fast 13 and 14 Nov.

Food restrictions (optional fast) - Muslims may request permission to reduce or be excused from physical training (including PT Assessments) or limit their time outdoors, duty permitting.

NATIVITY FAST [Orthodox Christians] 15 Nov – 24 Dec

This fast prepares the faithful for the feast of the birth of Jesus Christ.

Food restrictions

PRESENTATION OF VIRGIN MARY TO THE TEMPLE [Orthodox Christian] 21 Nov (Thu)

This feast recognizes the 40 day baby Virgin Mary being presented to God in the Jerusalem Temple.

Special worship - Orthodox Christians may seek permission to participate in the celebration.

THANKSGIVING [Civic] 28 Nov (Thu)

Annual American thanksgiving celebration, remembering the first American pilgrims, their hardships and celebrations.

Special celebration - Celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November.

Multifaith Calendar Highlights November 2013 (cont)

HANUKKAH, a.k.a., FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS, FEAST OF DEDICATION [Jewish] 28 Nov – 5 Dec

It marks the recapture and rededication of the temple in Jerusalem, 165 B.C. by the Maccabees. Evening observances in synagogues include the lighting of the eight-candle menorah.

Special celebration - Although not obligatory, some Jews may seek permission to attend celebrations in the evening. Deployed members may require special arrangements to kindle their Hanukkah menorahs.


HANUKKAH, a.k.a., FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS, FEAST OF DEDICATION [Jewish] 28 Nov-5 Dec

It marks the recapture and rededication of the temple in Jerusalem, 165 B.C. by the Maccabees. Evening observances in synagogues include the lighting of the eight-candle menorah.

Special celebration - Although not obligatory, some Jews may seek permission to attend celebrations in the evening. Deployed members may require special arrangements to kindle their Hanukkah menorahs. The first light is lit on 27 Nov.

ROHATSU, a.k.a., BODDHI DAY; BUDDHA’S ENLIGHTENMENT [Zen Buddhism] 1-8 Dec

Zen Buddhists honor Buddha’s enlightenment with an arduous retreat typically lasting a week.

Work restrictions - Adherents may seek permission to be excused from non-mission essential functions on 1 Dec or the week following.

ADVENT [Christian] 1 – 24 Dec

The season of the preparation for the coming of Christ, also the beginning of the Christian liturgical year.

Special worship services

SAINT NICHOLAS [Catholic/Orthodox Christian] 6 Dec (Fri)

This feast honors Saint Nicholas. Special worship – Orthodox/Catholic Christians may seek permission to participate in the celebration.

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION [Catholic Christian] 8 Dec (Sun)

Catholics are morally obliged to observe the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.

Special service - Catholics may request time for participating in the celebration of the Eucharist and abstaining from unnecessary “servile” work.

YULE (Winter Solstice) [Wicca/Druid] 21 Dec (Sat)

It marks the beginning of many Pagan calendars. In many Pagan traditions, the concept of rebirth is expressed through the birth of a Divine Child.


CHRISTMAS EVE & DAY [Christian] 24/25 Dec (Tue-Wed)

It marks the birth of Jesus Christ and the beginning of the feast of Christmas which lasts for 12 days, from the eve of Christmas Day to the eve of Epiphany.

Special worship and work restriction - Christians may seek permission to participate in the celebration of the Eucharist on Christmas Day.

Multifaith Calendar Highlights December 2013

2013 - Multifaith calendar

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