September 13 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)

In the Eastern Orthodox Church, September 13 is a day with several commemorations within the liturgical calendar. It falls within the ecclesiastical year that begins on September 1. Therefore, September 13 is observed using fixed dates, meaning the commemorations always occur on that Gregorian calendar date, regardless of the day of the week.

Primary commemorations on September 13 include:

• The Consecration of the Church of the Resurrection at Jerusalem (Anastasis). This event commemorates the dedication of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, a site of paramount importance as it is believed to contain the tomb of Jesus Christ. The annual commemoration celebrates the historical event and its spiritual significance for Christians.

• The Holy Hieromartyr Cornelius the Centurion, Bishop of Caesarea, Palestine. St. Cornelius is a figure of importance as he is identified in the Acts of the Apostles as the first Gentile convert to Christianity. His martyrdom is remembered on this day.

Other saints and events may also be commemorated on September 13, depending on the local practice of particular Orthodox jurisdictions. These may include local saints, icons of the Theotokos (Mother of God), or other events of significance to the local church.

Services on this day would typically reflect the commemorations, with hymns, readings, and prayers dedicated to the events and saints remembered. The Consecration of the Church of the Resurrection is often a major theme, and the troparion and kontakion for St. Cornelius are also sung. Depending on the particular local observance, other specific liturgical texts related to the other commemorated figures may also be included.