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Occurrence of Holy Days

The American Church Dictionary and Cyclopedia

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The coincidence of two or more Holy Days falling on the same date. When this happens, the question arises which is to be observed, which takes precedence. The ancient rule may be illustrated by the following: When the First Sunday in Advent and St. Andrew's Day fell on the same date the Sunday took precedence and only the Collect for the Saint's Day was read; the Fourth Sunday in Advent took precedence of St. Thomas Day; while the Feasts of St. Stephen, St. John Evangelist, Holy Innocents, and the Circumcision, if any of these days occurred on the same date as the First Sunday after Christmas, the Saint's Day and also the Circumcision took precedence of the Sunday. A good Church Almanac will give the needed information concerning the "Occurrence of Holy Days" which takes place during the year.