www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology question on Holy days

What is the difference between Holy Day, Solemn day, Simple day?

I know Byzantine Catholics do not have Holy Days of Obligation but I am a simple person

I see nobody answered the question. I assume you are looking to an answer to this question for a Byzantine Catholic.
I believe that there are Holy Days of Obligation for Byzantine Catholics. Though the term may be more of a Latin Rite term. The most common days would be
Christmas, Epiphany (Jan. 6), Dormition (Aug. 15) and Apostles Peter and Paul (Jun. 29)
As to the differences I am not as able to answer as to the technical definitions of each. Though I am thinking simple days are important but slightly less high of a feast than the solemnities where attendance is still highly encouraged an an important day to observe. And a Holy day is probably a day where you are expected to attend Liturgy if possible in celebration of the day.

My Liturgy notes from a long time ago list:

Holy Days of Obligation - The pastor is obligated to serve the Divine Liturgy for the people, and the faithful are obligated to attend.

Solemn Holydays - The pastor is obligated to serve the Divine Liturgy for the people, but the faithful are not obligated to attend

Simple Holydays - The pastor may take special intentions for the Liturgy, and the faithful are not obligated to attend.

There are 5 Holy days of Obligation the ones you listed and the Ascension.
There are 14 Solemn Holydays.
There are 7 Simple Holydays

for the Ruthenians, the "days of precept" (Bishop's obligation) are sundays and the following:
January 6 - Theophany of our Lord
Ascension of Lord
June 29 - Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul
August 15 - Dormition of the Mother of God
December 25 - Nativity of our Lord

(from RPL c.198, which is an addendum to CCEO c.198)
Epiphany isn't on the list, but is on list from my previous several pastors...

I seem to remember hearing or reading somewhere that the patronal feast of one's parish is also obligatory?

According to my notes the Patronal feast of the parish is a solemn holy day.

Thank you.

Holy Days of Obligation:

06-Jan- Theophany of Our Lord
-------- Ascension Thursday
29-Jun- Feast of SS. Peter & Paul
15-Aug- Dormition of the Theotokos
25-Dec- Nativity of Our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ

Solemn Holy Days:

01-Jan- Circumcision / Feast of St. Basil
02-Feb- Meeting of Our Lord with Simeon and Anna
25-Mar- Annunciation to the Theotokos
-------- Bright Monday
24-Jun- Nativity of St. John the Forerunner and Baptist
06-Aug- Transfiguration of our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ
08-Sep- Nativity of the Theotokos
14-Sep- Exaltation of the Cross
01-Oct- Protection of the Theotokos
08-Nov- Synaxis of Archangel Michael and All Angelic Powers
21-Nov- Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple
06-Dec- Holy Father Nicholas of Myra
08-Dec- Conception of the Theotokos by St. Anna
26-Dec- Synaxis of the Theotokos


Simple Holy Days:

30-Jan- Three Holy Hierarchs
23-Apr- Great Martyr George
-------- Bright Tuesday
-------- Pentecost Monday
20-Jul- Feast of St. Elijah
29-Aug- Beheading of St. John the Baptist
27-Dec- Feast of St. Stephen

So, let me get this straight--Pascha is neither a "holy day of obligation", nor a "solemn holy day", nor even a "simple holy day". In fact, we don't observe it at all?

Since Sunday is the main and weekly Holy Day, Pascha was already covered, as was Pentecost and the Entry into Jerusalem.

Pascha is also an episcopal precept day; the Bishop must, himself, if able, celebrate the liturgy in the Cathedral or one of the Pro-Cathedrals.