AFTERFEAST – An afterfeast (also known as postfeast ) is a period of time following certain major feasts of the Christian year during which the feast continues to be celebrated. The liturgical life of the Church reflects this extended celebration by continuing to express the themes of the feast in the divine services celebrated during the afterfeast. Most commemorations that have an afterfeast also have a forefeast.
- Pascha—afterfeast: 38 days (leavetaking: Wednesday before Ascension)
- Ascension—afterfeast: 8 days (leavetaking: Friday before Pentecost)
- Pentecost—afterfeast: 6 days (leavetaking: following Saturday)
- Nativity of the Theotokos (September 8)—afterfeast: 4 days (leavetaking: September 12)
- Elevation of the Holy Cross (September 14)—afterfeast: 7 days (leavetaking: September 21)
- Presentation of the Theotokos (November 21)—afterfeast: 4 days (leavetaking: November 25)
- Nativity of Christ (December 25)—afterfeast: 6 days (leavetaking: December 31)
- Theophany (January 6)—afterfeast: 8 days (leavetaking: January 14)
- Presentation of Christ (February 2)—afterfeast: 7 days – shortened or omitted altogether if February 2 falls on or after the Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee. (leavetaking: February 9)
- Transfiguration (August 6)—afterfeast: 7 days (leavetaking: August 13)
- Dormition (August 15)—afterfeast: 8 days (leavetaking: August 23)