In A Year of the Lord, Vol. 1 Professor Theodore Stylianopoulos explains that while we now celebrate the beginning of the secular New Year on January 1st, in ancient times September 1st was the beginning of the Church year and remains so for the Orthodox to this day. The tradition of computing the start of a new year with autumn was common to the lands of the Bible and to all the lands around the Mediterranean. The summer harvest was at an end, the crops were stored, and people prepared for a new agricultural cycle. It was an appropriate time to begin a new year.
Christ our God, Your kingdom is an everlasting one and Your lordship is over all. You have made all things with wisdom and have established proper times and seasons for our lives. We give thanks to You in all circumstances and for all things. Grant that this liturgical year be for all of us a year of grace. Make us worthy with purity of heart always to praise you. Lord, glory to You! Matin Hymn, September 1st
Bishops from all over the world assemble at the Phanar in Constantinople to sign the Book of Indiction to start the Ecclesiastical Year. Photos by Archon Dimitrios Panagos.