St Giles Church Whittington

01/06/2026

In Christianity, the Visitation, also known as the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, refers to the visit of Mary, who was pregnant with Jesus, to Elizabeth, who was pregnant with John the Baptist, in the Gospel of Luke, Luke 1:39–56.
Mary goes to visit her cousin Elizabeth when both of them are expecting their babies. Elizabeth's baby “leaped in her womb” when Mary entered the house and called a greeting. This incident shows that even though they are not yet born, John acknowledges the superiority of Jesus and recognises that Jesus is God's son.

31/05/2026

Trinity Sunday is the first Sunday after Pentecost in the Western Christian liturgical calendar. It celebrates the core Christian doctrine of the Holy Trinity: God as three persons—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—in one substance.
Significance and Meaning
• A Celebration of Doctrine: It is unique among major Christian festivals because it honours a specific theological concept rather than a concrete event in sacred history.
• The Trinity Season: In many liturgical traditions (such as Anglican and Catholic), it marks the beginning of the Trinity Season (or Ordinary Time), shifting the liturgical focus from specific historical feasts (like Christmas and Easter) to Christian growth.
Traditions and Observance
• Liturgy & Worship: Church services often feature sermons focused on the nature of God, with congregations reciting historical statements of faith like the Nicene Creed.
• Symbolism: Sanctuaries are frequently decorated with traditional symbols of the Trinity, such as the triquetra (interlocking arcs) or the trefoil (three-leaf clover shape).
• Festive Foods: Because the celebration centres around the number three, some customary traditions include baking or eating things in three parts, such as cloverleaf rolls, three-flavour Neapolitan ice cream, or Tres Leches (three-milk) cake.

31/05/2026

24/05/2026

Pentecost Sunday is a major Christian holiday celebrated 50 days after Easter. It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus, an event described in the Acts of the Apostles. Because it marks the birth of the Christian Church, it is often referred to as the Church's "birthday".
According to the Bible, the followers of Jesus were gathered together in Jerusalem to celebrate the Jewish festival of Shavuot (the Feast of Weeks). Suddenly, a sound like a rushing, mighty wind filled the room, and "tongues of fire" rested above each of their heads. Filled with the Holy Spirit, they began speaking in various languages, allowing them to communicate with and be understood by people from many different nations.
The Color Red: In many liturgical traditions, church decorations, clergy vestments, and altar cloths are red on this day to symbolize the "tongues of fire".
Symbols: Common symbols used to represent the day include the Holy Spirit, the dove, wind, and flames.
Whit Sunday (or Whitsun): In the UK and other regions, Pentecost is traditionally known as Whit Sunday, a name originating from the white garments historically worn by newly baptized believers on this day.

22/04/2026

Feast Day of St Mark – 25th April

St. Mark's Day, celebrated annually on April 25, is a Christian feast day commemorating Mark the Evangelist, author of the Gospel of Mark. It is a significant religious observance, particularly in Venice, Italy—where he is patron saint—and a traditional day in English folklore. It marks a time for reflection, prayer, and specific cultural customs.
• Religious Significance: It commemorates Mark the Evangelist, who is believed to have been a companion of Paul and Barnabas and the founder of the Church in Alexandria. The Church of England observes this as a festival.
• Venetian Celebration (Festa di San Marco): In Venice, the day is marked by a solemn mass at St. Mark's Basilica.
• Festa del Bocolo: Venetian tradition involves men giving a single red rosebud (bocolo) to the women in their lives.
• Traditional Dishes: The day is associated with eating risi e bisi (a Venetian rice and pea dish).
• English Folklore: Historically, in English villages, it was believed that sitting in the church porch on St. Mark's Eve (April 24) would allow one to see the ghosts of those destined to die that year.

22/04/2026

Feast Day of St George – 23rd April
St. George's Day, celebrated annually on April 23, is England's national day marking the anniversary of the patron saint's death in 303 AD. It honours St. George, known for the legend of slaying a dragon, and is celebrated with English traditions, flags, and cultural events. While not currently a bank holiday, it remains a significant cultural day of remembrance.
• The Legend: St. George is celebrated for bravery, famously rescuing a princess by defeating a dragon, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
• Flag of England: The St. George’s Cross (a red cross on a white background) is prominently displayed.
• Celebrations: Celebrations often include performances of St. George and the Dragon, traditional food like fish and chips or roast dinners, and historical reenactments.
• Events: Major events, including traditional fayres and performances, occur across England, such as those listed by English Heritage.
• Global Recognition: St. George is also the patron saint of places like Georgia, and is celebrated in various countries including Portugal and Canada.