How do Orthodox Christians celebrate Pascha (Easter) and Christmas? What is the purpose of the blessing of waters? How does the Orthodox liturgical year compare with Western Christianity? This book explores the meaning of the Orthodox liturgical year by analyzing the rituals, Bible readings, and hymns of the feasts. In addition to the main seasons and feasts--Lent, Holy Week, Pascha, Christmas, and feasts of Mary--the book discusses other feasts particular to Orthodox Christianity. Readers will learn about special themes on occasions like the Exaltation of the Cross and the Baptism of Rus', and will discover the importance of domestic traditions like the Vasilopita and the Sviata