December 8 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)

In the Eastern Orthodox liturgical calendar, December 8 (or November 25 on the Julian Calendar, for those churches which still follow it) is a day with its own unique set of commemorations. On this day, the Orthodox Church commemorates several saints and events. These commemorations are reflected in the liturgical services held on this day, including the Divine Liturgy, Vespers, and Matins.

Specific commemorations which may occur on December 8 include:

• Apostles of the Seventy: Apollos, Cephas, Sosthenes, Epaphras, Caesar, and Onesiphorus. These figures are considered lesser apostles who assisted the original Twelve in spreading the Gospel.

• Hieromartyr Clement of Rome, Pope of Rome: A prominent early Church Father and the fourth Pope of Rome. He is considered a patron saint of sailors.

• Venerable Patapius of Thebes: A hermit known for his ascetic life and miracles.

• New Martyr Susanna the Deaconess: Martyred for her faith.

The liturgical color for this day can vary, depending on the specific saint being commemorated and local custom, but gold or red are commonly used, especially for apostles and martyrs. The hymns, readings from Scripture, and prayers during the services focus on the lives, virtues, and martyrdom (where applicable) of the saints being celebrated. The synaxarion, a hagiographical text read during Matins, provides detailed accounts of their lives and deeds.

The commemoration of the Conception of the Theotokos by St. Anna, normally observed on December 9, is sometimes pre-celebrated in anticipation, with related hymns and readings possibly included in the services on December 8, depending on the specific calendar rules followed by a particular church.