Orthodox Church celebrates the start of the new ecclesiastical year

September 1 marks the beginning of the new ecclesiastical year for the Orthodox Church, a tradition known as the ‘Beginning of the Indictio’. This term originates from the Roman imperial system of fifteen-year cycles used for administrative and tax purposes.

The day is marked by several religious commemorations, including the memory of Saint Symeon Stylites, Saint Joshua, Saint Meletios the New, and the Forty Holy Virgins and Ascetics along with their teacher, Deacon Ammun. The Forty Virgins are traditionally associated with Adrianople in Thrace.

In local traditions, such as on the island of Kos, the day is celebrated through the custom of ‘Archichronia’, involving symbolic offerings to the sea to welcome the new year with blessings and protection. The date also features an extensive list of name days for various Greek names.