While a day like Christmas is fixed in our minds and on the calendars on December 25th, many of the important feasts of the Church year move, based upon the date that Easter is set. Easter changes each year moving to the Sunday after the “Paschal Full Moon,” and can fall between March 22 and April 25.

In ancient times before calendars were common, most people did not know the dates for the upcoming Liturgical year. On Epiphany Sunday, the upcoming dates were “proclaimed”. After the singing of the Gospel, a Deacon or cantor, in keeping with an ancient practice of Holy Church, announces from the ambo the moveable feasts of the current year, thus:

“Know, dear  brothers and sisters,
that, as we have rejoiced at
the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ,
so by leave of God’s mercy we announce to you also
the joy of his Resurrection, who is our Savior.

On the 10th day of February will fall Ash Wednesday,
and the beginning of the fast of the most sacred Lenten season.

On the 27th day of March you will celebrate with Joy Easter Day,
the Paschal feast of our Lord Jesus Christ.

On the 5th day of May will be the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ.

On the 15th day of May the feast of Pentecost.

On the 29th day of May, the feast of
the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.

On the 27th day of November
the First Sunday of Advent of our Lord Jesus Christ,
to whom is honor and glory for ever and ever.

Amen”

Thanks to Deacon Albert for chanting this so ably!