September 1
† The Beginning of the Church's Year
The First Ecumenical Council established that the Church's year would begin on September 1st, continuing the practice of the Roman Empire at that time. For centuries, the beginning of the civil year coincided with the Church year, but later changed, first in western Europe, then in Russia in the time of Peter the Great.
Troparion for the Indiction in Tone Two
O Thou Creator of the whole universe, Who didst appoint times by Thine own power, bless the crown of the year with Thy goodness, O Lord. Preserve in safety Thy rulers and Thy city, through the intercessions of the Theotokos, and save us.
Kontakion for The Indiction In Tone Four
O God of all, verily transcendent in essence, Creator of the ages and their Master, bless the cycle of this year, saving by Thy boundless mercy, O compassionate One, all those who worship only Thee, O Master, and who cry out unto Thee in fear, saying: Grant to all, O Savior, a fertile year.
