Our Lady of Aparecida Day honors Nossa Senhora Aparecida, the patron saint of Brazil. The day commemorates the 1717 discovery of a small clay statue of the Virgin Mary by fishermen in the Paraíba River, which became a symbol of hope and faith. Over centuries, devotion to Our Lady of Aparecida grew into one of Brazil’s most cherished traditions. Millions of pilgrims visit the Basilica of the National Shrine of Aparecida, one of the largest churches in the world, to pay tribute.

Orthodox Christmas Day is celebrated by Orthodox Christians around the world. The difference in date from the December 25 celebration of Christmas in the Western Christian tradition arises from the use of different calendars.

Synaxis of St. John the Baptist honors St. John the Forerunner, who baptized Jesus Christ. It celebrates his role as a prophet, preacher of repentance and herald of spiritual renewal in Christian tradition.