September 21 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)

In the liturgical calendar of the Eastern Orthodox Church, September 21 is the date which commemorates the Afterfeast of the Nativity of the Theotokos. The feast day for the Nativity itself falls on September 8, and the Afterfeast lasts until September 12. However, on September 21, the leave-taking (or apodosis) of the Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos occurs. This marks the formal conclusion of the celebration and the return to the normal order of services, although the influence of the feast may still be felt in the services in subsequent days. On this day, specific hymns and prayers related to the Nativity are sung for the last time, drawing a close to the festal period. Besides the leave-taking of the Nativity of the Theotokos, the Orthodox Church may also commemorate other saints or events on September 21, according to the particular church calendar and tradition.