2016 LIST OF RELIGIOUS HOLY DAYS

NOTES:
0B 1. The Ontario Public Service allows up to two days paid leave under the Special & Compassionate Leave provision for OPS regular employees, and
for OPSEU and PEGO Fixed Term employees with access to this leave.
2. The AMAPCEO collective agreement provides Fixed Term employees with up to two days unpaid leave for religious holiday accommodation
purposes.
3. Leaders and representatives of each religion shown on the list below have identified holy days in 2016 for their respective religions. Concerns
regarding dates identified must be discussed with Religious leaders and or representatives.
4. When the religious holy days fall on a Saturday or Sunday, accommodation is necessary only if these dates are scheduled work days.
* Dates same every year
RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS REQUIRING ABSENCE FROM WORK 2016
(WHOSE RELIGIOUS LEADERS COMPLY FOR OBSERVANCE
WITH SECTION 20 OF MARRIAGE ACT)
Anglican No religious holidays requiring absence from work beyond existing Statutory Holidays. However, depending on
the congregation, some members observe Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Ascension Day and All Saints
Day, but would not likely require a full day off (half day, perhaps, to attend AM or PM service).
Antiochian Orthodox Christian Theophany *January 6, 2016
Annunciation March 25, 2016
Good Friday TBC
Easter Sunday May 1, 2016
Pentecost June 19, 2016
Christmas *December 25, 2016
Apostolic Church in Canada No religious holidays requiring absence from work beyond Statutory Holidays.
Armenian Christmas *January 6, 2016
Note: Remaining Religious Observances follow Maundy Thursday March 24, 2016
Gregorian calendar Good Friday March 25, 2016
Easter March 27, 2016
Martyrs Day *April 24, 2016
Associated Gospel No religious holidays requiring absence from work beyond Statutory Holidays.
Baptist No religious holidays requiring absence from work beyond Statutory Holidays.
Bahai
1B

Naw-Ruz (New Year) March 20, 2016

The First Day of Ridvan April 20, 2016
The Ninth Day of Ridvan April 28, 2016
The Twelfth Day of Ridvan May 1, 2016

1
 2016 LIST OF RELIGIOUS HOLY DAYS
RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS REQUIRING ABSENCE FROM WORK 2016
(WHOSE RELIGIOUS LEADERS COMPLY FOR OBSERVANCE
WITH SECTION 20 OF MARRIAGE ACT)
Declaration of the Bab May 23, 2016
Ascension of Bah u llh May 28, 2016
Martyrdom of the Bab July 9, 2016
The Birth of the Bab November 1, 2016
The Birth of Bah u llh November 2, 2016
Belarusian Autocephalous Orthodox Christmas January 7, 2016
Epiphany January 19, 2016
Annunciation April 7, 2016
Good Friday April 29, 2016
Easter May 1, 2016
St. Ephrasinia June 5, 2016
Ascension June 9, 2016
Dormition August 28, 2016
St. Nicholas December 19, 2016
Buddhist (Mahayana) Buddhas Enlightenment (Mahayana) January 17, 2016
Cham Shan Temple, Thornhill
Lunar New Year(World Peace Prayer Service)/Chinese New Year February 8, 2016
Buddhas Parinirvana/Buddhas Great Renunciation March 23, 2016
Buddhas Birthday (Wesak) April 14, 2016
Ullambana (Ancestors Day) August 17, 2016
Buddhas Enlightenment (Mahayana) January 17, 2016
Buddhist (Mahayana)
Lunar New Year(World Peace Prayer Service)/Chinese New Year February 8, 2016
Zen Buddhist Temple, Toronto
Buddhas Parinirvana March 23, 2016
Note: In the Western world, some festivals may be
celebrated on the Sunday nearest the actual date. Buddhas Birthday (Wesak) May 14, 2016
Ullambana (Ancestors Day) August 17, 2016
Tibetans New Year (Losar) February 9, 2016
Buddhist (Riwoche Tibet)
Day of Offering (1st full moon day of Tibetan New Year) TBC
Tibetans Buddhas Birth (Wesak) May 21, 2016

2
 2016 LIST OF RELIGIOUS HOLY DAYS
RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS REQUIRING ABSENCE FROM WORK 2016
(WHOSE RELIGIOUS LEADERS COMPLY FOR OBSERVANCE
WITH SECTION 20 OF MARRIAGE ACT)
Tibetans Buddhas Enlightenment (Saka Dawa)
Tibetans Buddhas Death (Pari Nirvana)
His Holiness the Dalai Lamas Birthday* *July 6, 2016
Choe-kor Due-chen (1st Turning of the Wheel of Dharma) August 6, 2016
Lhabab Duche November 23, 2016
Buddhist (Theravada) Temple Day (Canada) January 1, 2016
Shaka Day (New Years Day) April 14, 2016
Buddhas Birth, Enlightenment and Demise Anniversary (Full
Moon Day) May 21, 2016
Dhamma Cakka Day, Rainy (Vas) Retreat (Full Moon Day) July 19, 2016
Conclusion of the Rainy (Vas) Retreat (Full Moon Day) October 15, 2016
Buddhist (Tibetan/Tengye Ling) Tibetans New Year (Losar) February 9, 2016
Tibetan Uprising Day *March 10, 2016
Buddhas Enlightenment (Saka Dawa) Wesak May 21, 2016
His Holiness The Dalai Lamas Birthday * *July 6, 2016
Universal Prayer Day July 19, 2016
Shakyamuni Buddhas First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma August 6, 2016
Buddhas Descent from the Celestial Realm November 20, 2016
Festival of Lights December 23, 2016
Catholic: Maronite World Day of Peace January 1, 2016
The Epiphany January 6, 2016
Saint Maron February 9, 2016
Saint Joseph March 19, 2016
Saints Peter & Paul June 29, 2016
The Assumption of the Virgin August 15, 2016
The Holy Cross September 14, 2016
All Saints November 1, 2016
The Immaculate Conception December 8, 2016
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 2016 LIST OF RELIGIOUS HOLY DAYS
RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS REQUIRING ABSENCE FROM WORK 2016
(WHOSE RELIGIOUS LEADERS COMPLY FOR OBSERVANCE
WITH SECTION 20 OF MARRIAGE ACT)
The Nativity of the Lord, Christmas Day December 25, 2016
Catholic: Polish Catholic Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary* *August 15, 2016
All Saints Day* *November 1, 2016
Catholic: Roman Catholic No religious holidays requiring absence from work beyond Statutory Holidays
Catholic: Ukrainian Catholic Christmas (Nativity) January 7, 2016
Epiphany (Theophany) January 19, 2016
Annunciation April 7, 2016
Good Friday April 29, 2016
Easter (Resurrection) May 1, 2016
Ascension (40 days after Easter, always on a Thursday) June 9, 2016
Pentecost June 19, 2016
St. Peter and Paul July 12, 2016
Dormition July 28, 2016
Christadelphian No religious holidays requiring absence from work beyond existing Statutory Holidays.
Christian and Missionary Alliance No religious holidays requiring absence from work beyond existing Statutory Holidays.
Christian Assembly of Taiwan No religious holidays requiring absence from work beyond existing Statutory Holidays.
Christian Reformed Church of Good Friday March 25, 2016
North America
Easter Sunday March 27, 2016
Thanksgiving Day October 10, 2016
Christmas Day December 25, 2016
Church of United Brethren in Christ No religious holidays requiring absence from work beyond existing Statutory Holidays.
Churches of Christ (includes Disciples of
Christ and Christian Church) No religious holidays requiring absence from work beyond existing Statutory Holidays.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day
Saints No religious holidays requiring absence from work beyond existing Statutory Holidays.
Church of the Nazarene No religious holidays requiring absence from work beyond existing Statutory Holidays.
Church of Scientology Birthday of Founder, L. Ron Hubbard* *March 13, 2016
Community of Christ (formerly
Reorganized Church of Latter Day Saints) No religious holidays requiring absence from work beyond existing Statutory Holidays.
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 2016 LIST OF RELIGIOUS HOLY DAYS
RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS REQUIRING ABSENCE FROM WORK 2016
(WHOSE RELIGIOUS LEADERS COMPLY FOR OBSERVANCE
WITH SECTION 20 OF MARRIAGE ACT)
Egyptian (Coptic) Orthodox Christmas January 7, 2016
Baptism of Christ January 20, 2016
Good Friday April 29, 2016
Easter Eve April 30, 2016
Easter May 1, 2016
St. Marks Feast (Patron Saint) May 8, 2016
Entry of our Lord into Egypt June 1, 2016
Ascension June 9. 2016
Pentecost June 19, 2016
Apostles Feast July 12, 2016
Assumption of Holy Virgin Mary August 22, 2016
Coptic New Year September 11, 2016
Estonian Lutheran Good Friday March 25, 2016
St. John Baptist June 24, 2016
Christmas Eve December 24, 2016
Ethiopian Orthodox Ethiopian Christmas January 7, 2016
Epiphany January 20, 2016
Feast of Cana of Galilee January 21, 2016
Good Friday April 29, 2016
Easter May 1, 2016
Ethiopian New Year September 11, 2016
Founding of the True Cross September 27, 2016
Evangelical Baptist No religious holidays requiring absence from work beyond existing Statutory Holidays. However churches elect
members to attend Fellowship Convention Day (first Wednesday in November) and Ontario Fellowship Day (first
Tuesday in May) members, if elected to attend, may request time off.
Evangelical Fellowship No religious holidays requiring absence from work beyond existing Statutory Holidays.
Evangelical Lutheran No religious holidays requiring absence from work beyond existing Statutory Holidays. However, depending on
the congregation, some members observe Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Ascension Day, Reformation Day
and All Saints Day. These would not likely require a full day off but may involve an AM or PM worship service.
5
 2016 LIST OF RELIGIOUS HOLY DAYS
RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS REQUIRING ABSENCE FROM WORK 2016
(WHOSE RELIGIOUS LEADERS COMPLY FOR OBSERVANCE
WITH SECTION 20 OF MARRIAGE ACT)
Grace Communion International
(formerly the Worldwide Church of No religious holidays requiring absence from work beyond existing Statutory Holidays.
God)
Greek Orthodox Epiphany Day *January 6, 2016
Note: Date given follow Gregorian calendar; some
members may choose to follow Julian Calendar Annunciation *March 25, 2016
Orthodox Good Friday April 29, 2016
Orthodox Easter May 1, 2016
Renewal Monday May 2, 2016
th
Ascension Day (6 Thursday after Easter) June 9, 2016
Pentecost June 19, 2016
Monday of the Holy Spirit June 20, 2016
Transfiguration of our Saviour *August 6, 2016
Dormition of the Virgin Mary *August 15, 2016
Holy Cross Day *September 14, 2016
Christmas *December 25, 2016
Hebrew
New Moon of Sebat January 10, 2016
Note:
1. Each 7th day of the week (Saturday) is a New Moon of Adar February 8, 2016
Sabbath day.
2. Each day commences on the evening of the New Moon of Adar Sheni March 9, 2016
preceding day.
* The second Passover is only kept if the first
The New Year (New Moon of Nisan) April 7, 2016
Passover could not be observed. st
1 day of Passover April 21, 2016
th
7 day of Passover April 27, 2016
New Moon of Zif May 6, 2016
*Second Passover (if applicable)
* The second Passover is only kept if the first Passover could not be observed. May 20, 2016
New Moon of Sivan June 5, 2016
Feast of Weeks June 9, 2016
New Moon of Hodesh Riiveeyee July 4, 2016
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 2016 LIST OF RELIGIOUS HOLY DAYS
RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS REQUIRING ABSENCE FROM WORK 2016
(WHOSE RELIGIOUS LEADERS COMPLY FOR OBSERVANCE
WITH SECTION 20 OF MARRIAGE ACT)

New Moon of Hodesh Hamishi August 3, 2016

New Moon of Elul September 1, 2016
Blowing of Trumpets (New Moon of Ethanim) October 1, 2016
Day of Atonement October 10, 2016
1st day of Feast of Tabernacles October 15, 2016
8th day of Feast of Tabernacles October 22, 2016
New Moon of Bul October 30, 2016
New Moon of Hisleu November 29, 2016
New Moon of Tebeth December 29, 2016
Hindu Lohri (Punjab) January 13, 2016
Note: Specific dates may vary year to year based
on the solar or lunar calendars. Dates can also Makarasankranti and Thai Pongal January 14, 2016
vary depending on the time differential between Vasant Panchmi or Saraswati Puja (N. India) February 12, 2016
Canada and India.
Maha Shivratri (Lord Shiva) March 7, 2016
Holi March 23, 2016
Rama Navami April 15, 2016
Hanuman Jayanti April 21, 2016
Guru Purnima July 19, 2016
Raksha Bandhan (N. India) August 17, 2016
Shri Krishna Janam-Ashtmi August 24, 2016
Vinaayak Chaturthi for Lord Ganesha September 4, 2016
Durga Puja (Mahastami) October 9, 2016
Vitaya Dasami/Dussera October 10, 2016
Karva Chouth October 18, 2016
Diwali/Lakshmi Puja October 29, 2016
Islam: Ahmadiyya Jumatul Wida (The last Friday in the month of Ramadan) July 1, 2016
Eid-ul-Fitr (Conclusion of the month of Fasting-Ramadan) July 6, 2016
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 2016 LIST OF RELIGIOUS HOLY DAYS
RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS REQUIRING ABSENCE FROM WORK 2016
(WHOSE RELIGIOUS LEADERS COMPLY FOR OBSERVANCE
WITH SECTION 20 OF MARRIAGE ACT)
Note: Muslim holidays based on Lunar Calendar
U U

Eid-ul-Adhia (Festival of Sacrifices-Next Day of Pilgrimage (Hajj) September 12, 2016

and observances may vary by a day before or after
from dates given, depending on the community.
Every Friday 12:15 2 pm-Congregation Prayers Jalsa Salana Canada (Annual Convention) October 7, 8 & 9, 2016
Islam: Dawoodi Bohora Mawlid un-Nabi December 22, 2015
Note: Muslim holidays based on Lunar Calendar
U U
Miraj al-Naby May 3, 2016
and observances may vary by a day before or after Nisf Shaban May 21, 2016
from dates given, depending on the community.
First of Ramadan June 5, 2016
Lailat-ul-Qadr June 27, 2016
Jumatul-Wida (Akhar Juma) July 1, 2016
Eid-ul-Fitr (1st day after Ramadan) July 4, 2016
Day of Hajj (Day at Arafat) September 10, 2016
Eid-ul-Adha September 11, 2016
First of Muharram (New Years Day) October 2, 2016
Ashura October 11, 2016
Islam: Ismaili Idd-e-Navroz (Persian New Year) *March 21, 2016
rd
Note: Muslim holidays based on Lunar Calendar and
U U
Laylat-all-Qadr (Night of First Revelation 23 day of Ramadan) June 27, 2016
observances may vary by a day before or after from
dates given, depending on the community.
Id-al-Fitr (Mark the end of the month of Ramadan) July 6, 2016
Every Friday 12:15 2 pm-Congregation Prayers Imamat Day (Commemorating ascension to the Office of the
Imamat by present Imam) *July 11, 2016
Id-al-Adha (Making sacrifice of Prophet Abraham) September 11, 2016
Idd-e-Milad (Commemorating the birth of the Holy Prophet
Muhammad PBUH) December 11, 2016
Salgirah (Observe the birth of the Imam of the Shia Imami
Ismaili Muslims) *December 13, 2016
Islam: Shi-ah Mawlid Iman Zamana May 22, 2016
Note: Muslim holidays based on Lunar Calendar
U U

and observances may vary by a day before or after Laylatul Qadr (3 days) June 25, 27, 29, 2016
from dates given, depending on the community. Martyrdom of Iman Ali June 27, 2016
Every Friday 12:15 2 pm-Congregation Prayers
3B0

Jumatul-Wida July 1, 2016

st
Eid-ul-Fitr (1 day after Ramadan) July 6, 2016
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 2016 LIST OF RELIGIOUS HOLY DAYS
RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS REQUIRING ABSENCE FROM WORK 2016
(WHOSE RELIGIOUS LEADERS COMPLY FOR OBSERVANCE
WITH SECTION 20 OF MARRIAGE ACT)
Day of Hajj (Day at Arafat) September 11, 2016
Eid-ul-Adha September 12, 2016
Eid-e-Ghadir September 20, 2016
First of Muharram (New Years Day) October 3, 2016
Ashura October 12, 2016
th
Arbaeen (40 Day after Imam Hussains Martydom) November 20, 2016
Mawlid un-Nabi December 17, 2016
Islam: Sunni
Fasting Begins 1st day of Ramadan June 6, 2016
Note: Muslim holidays based on Lunar Calendar and
U U

observances may vary by a day before or after from Eid-ul-Fitr (one day at the end of Ramadan date subject to
dates given, depending on the community. moon sighting) July 6, 2016
Every Friday 12:15 2 pm-Congregation Prayers
4B1

Please note that the dates provided are tentative

and will be confirmed as per Saudis decision
Eid-ul-Adha September 11, 2016
Jain Society of Toronto Mahavir Janma Kalyanak
Based on Lunar Calendar for Toronto
2B

Akshaya Tritiya
Guru Purnima
Paryushan Parva Begins
Samvantsari Paryushan Ends/ Dashlaxana Parva Begins
Anant Chaturdasi No response to consultation request.
Kshmavani (Day of Forgiveness) Daslakshana Ends
Mahavir Nirvan-Diwali
New Years Day and Day of Enlightenment of Lord Gautamswami
Gnan Panchami (Day of Knowledge)
Dev Diwali
Maun Jiyaras (Agiyaras)

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 2016 LIST OF RELIGIOUS HOLY DAYS
RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS REQUIRING ABSENCE FROM WORK 2016
(WHOSE RELIGIOUS LEADERS COMPLY FOR OBSERVANCE
WITH SECTION 20 OF MARRIAGE ACT)
Jehovahs Witnesses
Note: Members participate in the Annual District
International Assembly (3-4 days) and two Annual
Circuit Assemblies. Dates are scheduled locally; while
not religious holidays they would require Memorial of Christs Death
accommodation. (follows the Jewish Calendar-Nisan 14th) April 17, 1992 March 23, 2016
Jewish: Conservative Pesach/Passover (1st, 2nd, 7th, 8th Days) April 23, 24, 29 & 30, 2016
Note: Sabbath Starts Friday Sundown. All holy days
U U
Shavuot/Pentecost (2 days) June 12 & 13, 2016
start sundown the night preceding the holiday
Rosh Hashanah / New Year (2 days) October 3 & 4, 2016
Yom Kippur / Day of Atonement (1 day) October 12, 2016
st nd th th
Sukkot (Tabernacles 1 , 2 , 8 , 9 Days) October 17, 18, 24 & 25, 2016
Jewish: Orthodox Purim March 24, 2016
st nd th th
Note: Sabbath Starts Friday Sundown. All holy days
U U
Pesach/Passover (1 , 2 , 7 , 8 Days) April 23, 24, 29 & 30, 2016
start sundown the night preceding the holiday
Yom ha-Shoah May 5, 2016
Shavuot/Pentecost (2 days) June 12 & 13, 2016
Tisha BAv August 14, 2016
Rosh Hashanah / New Year (2 days) October 3 & 4, 2016
Yom Kippur /Day of Atonement (1 day) October 12, 2016
st nd
Sukkot (1 , 2 Days) October 17 & 18, 2016
Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah (2 days) October 24 & 25, 2016
Hanukkah December 25 31, 2016
Jewish: Reform Pesach/Passover (1st, 2nd, 7th Days) April 22, 23 & 29, 2016
Note: Sabbath Starts Friday Sundown. All holy days Shavuot/Pentecost June 11 13, 2016
start sundown the night preceding the holiday Rosh Hashanah / New Year (2 days) October 3 & 4, 2016
Yom Kippur / Day of Atonement (1 day) October 12, 2016
Succot October 17, 2016
Simchat Torah October 24, 2016
Lutheran No religious holidays requiring absence from work beyond existing Statutory Holidays.
Macedonian Orthodox New Year January 1, 2016
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 2016 LIST OF RELIGIOUS HOLY DAYS
RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS REQUIRING ABSENCE FROM WORK 2016
(WHOSE RELIGIOUS LEADERS COMPLY FOR OBSERVANCE
WITH SECTION 20 OF MARRIAGE ACT)
Christmas January 7, 2016
Theophany Baptism of our Lord January 19, 2016
Good Friday April 29, 2016
Easter Sunday May 1, 2016
Easter Monday May 2, 2016
Pentecost Holy Trinity June 23, 2016
Macedonian Day Ilinden August 2, 2016
St. Clement of Oris Patron Day December 8, 2016
Mennonite Ash Wednesday Evening February 10, 2016
Maundy Thursday Evening March 24, 2016
Good Friday March 25, 2016
Easter Sunday March 27, 2016
Christmas Eve December 24, 2016
Christmas December 25, 2016
Methodist Churches (e.g. Free
Methodist, Evangelical) No religious holidays requiring absence from work beyond existing Statutory Holidays.
Missionary Church No religious holidays requiring absence from work beyond existing Statutory Holidays.
Native Peoples/Aboriginal Peoples
Spring Change of Season Ceremonies March 21, 2016
Each band may have unique spiritual observances,
which, while not "Religious Holiday", may require First Nations Day/Summer Change of Season Ceremonies June 21, 2016
accommodation up to the maximum two days paid Fall Change of Season Ceremonies September 21, 2016
leave.
Winter Change of Season Ceremonies December 21, 2016
New Dawn Moravian Church No religious holidays requiring absence from work beyond existing Statutory Holidays.
New Apostolic No religious holidays requiring absence from work beyond existing Statutory Holidays.
Pentecostal No religious holidays requiring absence from work beyond existing Statutory Holidays.
Peoples Church No religious holidays requiring absence from work beyond existing Statutory Holidays.
Presbyterian No religious holidays requiring absence from work beyond existing Statutory Holidays.
Quakers No religious holidays requiring absence from work beyond existing Statutory Holidays.

11
 2016 LIST OF RELIGIOUS HOLY DAYS
RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS REQUIRING ABSENCE FROM WORK 2016
(WHOSE RELIGIOUS LEADERS COMPLY FOR OBSERVANCE
WITH SECTION 20 OF MARRIAGE ACT)
Reformed Church of Canada No religious holidays requiring absence from work beyond existing Statutory Holidays.
Romanian St. George Orthodox Epiphany * *January 6, 2016
St. John The Baptist * *January 7, 2016
The Three Holy Hierarchs: Basil, Gregory and John * *January 30, 2016
Presentation of our Lord in the Temple * *February 2, 2016
Annunciation * *March 25, 2016
St. George* *April 23, 2016
Orthodox Good Friday April 29, 2016
Orthodox Easter May 1, 2016
Orthodox Easter Monday and Tuesday May 2 & 3, 2016
St. Constantine and his Mother Helen * *May 21, 2016
Ascension Day June 9, 2016
Pentecost June 19, 2016
Nativity of St. John the Baptist * *June 24, 2016
St. Peter and Paul * *June 29, 2016
Prophet Elijah * *July 20, 2016
Transfiguration * *August 6, 2016
Dormition * *August 15, 2016
Nativity of the Birth Giver of God * *September 8, 2016
Holy Cross Day * *September 14, 2016
Ven. Mother Parascheva of Jassy * *October 14, 2016
Great Martir Demetrios October 26, 2016
Arch Angels Michael and Gabriel * *November 8, 2016
Presentation of the Mother of God in the Temple * *November 21, 2016
Holy Apostle Andrew * *November 30, 2016
St. Nicholas * *December 6, 2016
Christmas * (3 days) *December 25, 26 & 27, 2016

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 2016 LIST OF RELIGIOUS HOLY DAYS
RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS REQUIRING ABSENCE FROM WORK 2016
(WHOSE RELIGIOUS LEADERS COMPLY FOR OBSERVANCE
WITH SECTION 20 OF MARRIAGE ACT)
Russian Orthodox Church Christmas Eve * *January 6, 2016
Dates as per Julian (Old) Calendar
Christmas * *January 7, 2016
Epiphany Day * *January 19, 2016
Meeting of Our Lord * *February 15, 2016
Annunciation * *April 7, 2016
Palm Sunday April 24, 2016
Orthodox Good Friday April 29, 2016
Orthodox Easter May 1, 2016
Orthodox Easter Monday May 2, 2016
Ascension Day June 9, 2016
Pentecost June 19, 2016
St. Apostles or Peter and Paul Day * *July 12, 2016
Transfiguration * *August 19, 2016
Dormition * *August 28, 2016
Nativity of the Mother of God * *September 21, 2016
Holy Cross Day * *September 27, 2016
Protection of the Holy Virgin * *October 14, 2016
Arch Angel Michael * (St. Michael Day) *November 21, 2016
Entry of the Holy Virgin into the Temple * *December 4, 2016
St. Nicholas * *December 19, 2016
Salvation Army No religious holidays requiring absence from work beyond existing Statutory Holidays.
Serbian Orthodox Christmas Eve January 6, 2016
Slava St. Patron Day, one day per year; a religious
observance between priest and parishioners. Most Christmas January 7, 2016
common are: St. John the Baptist Jan 20; St. George
Serbian New Years Eve January 13, 2016
May 6, St. Michael Archangel Nov. 21; St. Nicholas
Dec 19 Epiphany January 19, 2016
St. Sava January 27, 2016
Good Friday April 29, 2016

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 2016 LIST OF RELIGIOUS HOLY DAYS
RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS REQUIRING ABSENCE FROM WORK 2016
(WHOSE RELIGIOUS LEADERS COMPLY FOR OBSERVANCE
WITH SECTION 20 OF MARRIAGE ACT)
Easter Sunday (Pascha) May 1, 2016
Easter Monday May 2, 2016
Pentecost June 19, 2016
Seventh Day Adventists No religious holidays requiring absence from work beyond existing Statutory Holidays.
Sikh Birthday of Guru Gobind Singh January 5, 2016
Maghi January 14, 2016
Hola Mohalla March 24, 2016
Vaisakhi April 14, 12016
Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev June 16, 2016
Parkash TBC
Installation of Holy Scriptures as Guru Granth Sahib September 1, 2016
Bandi Chhor Divas (Diwali) October 30, 2016
Birthday of Guru Nanak Dev November 14, 2016
Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur November 24, 2016
Martyrdom Sahibzada Ajit Singh & Jujhar Singh December 21, 2016
Martyrdom Sahibzada Fatch Singh & Zorawar Singh December 26, 2016
Ukrainian Orthodox Christmas Eve * *January 6, 2016
Christmas * *January 7, 2016
New Year (Julian)
Feast of Epiphany/Eve
Epiphany Day
Palm Sunday
Annunciation Mother of God (St. Mary) No response to consultation request
Good Friday
Easter Sunday
Easter Monday
Pentecost

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 2016 LIST OF RELIGIOUS HOLY DAYS
RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS REQUIRING ABSENCE FROM WORK 2016
(WHOSE RELIGIOUS LEADERS COMPLY FOR OBSERVANCE
WITH SECTION 20 OF MARRIAGE ACT)
Transfiguration of the Lord No response to consultation request
Dormition Mother of God
Unitarian No religious holidays requiring absence from work beyond existing Statutory Holidays.
United Church No religious holidays requiring absence from work beyond existing Statutory Holidays.
Wesleyan No religious holidays requiring absence from work beyond existing Statutory Holidays.
Wiccan Imbolc (Sunset to Sunset) * *February 1 2, 2016
Note: Evening observances commence at sundown.
U U
Lady Day March 19, 2016
Solstice observances commence at sunrise
Beltane (Sunset to Sunset) * *April 30 May 1, 2016
Litha June 20, 2016
Lammas (Sunset to Sunset) * *August 2, 2016
Harvestide September 22, 2016
Samhain (Sunset to Sunset) * *October 31 November 1, 2016
Yule December 21, 2016
Zoroastrian Jashn-E-Sadeh (F) January 30, 2016
Note: Nowruz occurs on one day between the 19 and
U U
th
Nowruz (F) March 20, 2016
nd st
22 , traditionally it is listed as the 21 but it can be
celebrated on one of the other days instead.
Birthday of Prophet Ashu Zarthusht (F) March 25, 2016
Fravardingan (F) April 7, 2016
Note: Dates will change as Zoroastrians follow a 365-
U U

day calendar without leap year day. Death Anniversary of Prophet Ashu Zarthusht (S) May 24, 2016
Norooz (New Year) (S) August 17, 2016
(F) Fasli Seasonal
(S) Shenshahi Royal Birthday of Prophet Ashu Zarathushtra (S) August 22, 2016
Farvardigan (S) September 4, 2016
Mehregan (F) October 1, 2016
Death Anniversary of Prophet Ashu Zarathushtra (F) December 25, 2016

The List of Religious Holy Days is developed for the purpose of internal administration of the Ontario Public Service Religious Holidays Policy for Ontario Public Service employees. It is not a public document. The events and
dates shown on the List reflect the exact information received from representatives of each faith regarding Holy Days that, in their view, will require their followers absence from work for religious observance purposes. The
OPS does not make any representation as to the validity or accuracy of the information provided. Concerns expressed about events and dates are referred to source faith representatives for clarification, and where applicable,
amendments will occur.

Non-OPS users may, of their own volition, request copies of the List for their leave administration purposes. List updates will not be issued automatically. The OPS will not serve as the arbiter of administrative issues or
concerns that such users may experience with respect to any differences between charts in their possession and the current chart posted on the internal MyOPS (intranet) site.
15
 2016 LIST OF RELIGIOUS HOLY DAYS
Prepared by Benefits Policy/Total Compensation Services Branch
Employee Relations Division, Treasury Board Secretariat
Updated: January 8, 2016

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