Religious Observances

In the Western world, festivals are generally celebrated on the Sunday nearest the actual date.

The Gregorian calendar has been adopted by all Christian churches of the West. Most Eastern churches, however, continue to use the Julian calendar for religious purposes, though only a few use it exclusively. Nearly all Eastern churches still determine Easter according to the "Old Style" or Julian system, but most have adopted the "New Style" or Gregorian calendar for Christmas or Pentecost. At the present time, the Julian and Gregorian calendars are approximately 15 days out of phase.

Specific dates may vary year to year based on the solar or lunar calendars. Dates can also vary depending on the time differential between Canada and India.

Each band may have unique spiritual observances which, while not listed here as a holy day, may require accommodation.

Muslim holidays are based on a lunar calendar and observances may vary from the dates listed here, depending on the community. Congregation prayers are held every Friday 12:15 - 2:00 pm.

Sabbath starts Friday sundown. All religious observances start sundown the night preceding the holiday.

Evening observances commence at sundown. Solstice observances commence at sunrise.