The sacrament of reconciliation through which the faithful confess their sins to a priest and receive absolution. Also called the sacrament of repentance or penance, confession restores the baptismal purity lost through sin and reconciles the penitent with God and the Church. The penitent stands before an icon of Christ while confessing to the priest, who acts as a witness and minister of God's forgiveness. The priest then covers the penitent's head with his epitrachelion (stole) and pronounces the prayer of absolution.

The evening prayer service of the Orthodox Church, traditionally celebrated at sunset. Vespers includes psalms, hymns, scripture readings, and incense. On Saturday evenings, Great Vespers is often combined with the Sunday Divine Liturgy. The service marks the end of the liturgical day and prepares the faithful for rest and reflection.

The Russian monk who brought Orthodoxy to Alaska and was the first Orthodox saint canonized in America. Celebrated on December 13th, Herman arrived in Alaska in 1794 and spent over 40 years ministering to native Alaskans. He defended them against exploitation and established schools and orphanages on Spruce Island.

The central worship service of the Orthodox Church, celebrating the Eucharist (Holy Communion). Usually celebrated on Sundays and feast days, the Divine Liturgy consists of the Liturgy of the Word (scripture readings) and Liturgy of the Faithful (Eucharistic prayer and communion). The most common forms are the Liturgies of St. John Chrysostom and St. Basil the Great.

The 18th-century bishop known for his spiritual writings and pastoral care. Celebrated on August 13th, Tikhon retired early from episcopal duties to focus on prayer and writing. His works on Christian living influenced many, including St. Theophan the Recluse. He represents the combination of episcopal responsibility with monastic spirituality and theological reflection.

The "falling asleep" and assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven. Preceded by a two-week fast, this feast on August 15th celebrates Mary's death and her bodily assumption. Orthodox theology teaches that Mary experienced death but was immediately raised and taken to heaven, where she intercedes for all Christians.

The miraculous image of Christ that appeared on cloth, also called the Mandylion. Celebrated on August 16th, this icon was sent by Christ himself to King Abgar of Edessa. According to tradition, Christ pressed a cloth to his face, leaving his image imprinted. This acheiropoietos (not-made-by-hands) icon represents Christ's divine nature and the power of his image.