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News and Programs 08.28.26
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Celebrating the WISE Pre-Orientation Program 2026
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From August 17-21, 2026, the Emory University Chaplaincy offered the sixth year of our WISE (Welcoming Interfaith and Spiritual Exploration) Pre-Orientation Program. The program is designed to welcome entering first-year students to Emory's Atlanta campus while providing an opportunity to learn about different faiths and interfaith work and to build relationships on campus and in the city of Atlanta.
We are grateful to our group of students and to our campus and Atlanta community partners for their participation throughout a full week of activities, which included:
- touring historic Ebenezer Baptist Church and the King Center in downtown Atlanta;
- dinner and conversation at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church;
- experiencing a Hindu puja service and vegetarian lunch at Shree Shakti Mandir;
- joining in prayers and conversation at Al-Farooq Masjid;
- and sharing a Langar Lunch at the Gurdwara Sahib Sikh Study Circle
- learning about the Torah at Congregation Bet Haverim;
- practicing meditation and meeting Venerable Maha Dam from the Walk for Peace at Wat Lao Buddha Khanti Buddhist Monastery
Our Peer Mentors also got the chance to tour the Etowah Mounds State Historic Site with Tracie Revis, director of advocacy for the Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve Initiative.
We're excited to continue working with these interfaith student leaders and great community partners for years to come. To learn more about WISE, please visit our website here. For questions, please contact religiouslife@emory.edu.
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King Center and Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church
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Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church
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Wat Lao Buddha Khanti Buddhist Monastery
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Etowah Mounds State Historic Site
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Closing Circle, Emory Interfaith Center
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Spiritual Life Fair Recap 2026
Thank you to everyone who came out to the Spiritual Life Resource Fair on Tuesday, August 25 on the ESC Promenade. University Chaplaincy chaplains, affiliates, and student leaders from over 25 spiritual, religious, and philosophical communities were present and shared information on gatherings, practices, and opportunities to get involvedon campus and in the community.
Emory University Chaplaincy has also been able to meet students tabling at the resource fairs and orientation programs at the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Candler School of Theology, Laney Graduate School, Emory School of Law, Rollins School of Public Health, and the Emory School of Medicine. Our team is looking forward to participating in the fair at the Goizueta Business School soon. You can also read more about our communities here. For more information, please contact religiouslife@emory.edu.
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Lunch and Learn Book Talk
Engaged Compassion: Seven Practices to Cultivate Resilience, Connection, and a Joyous Life
Thursday, September 3, Noon, Brooks Commons, Cannon Chapel
Join us for a lunchtime book talk with Lobsang Tenzin Negi, the longtime executive director of the Emory Compassion Center. Drawing on decades of scholarship and collaboration with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and rooted in CBCT® (Cognitively Based Compassion Training), Engaged Compassion integrates contemplative wisdom and modern science to show that compassion is a trainable skill and offers a practical path to greater resilience, deeper connection, and enhanced wellbeing.
Sponsored by the Emory University Chaplaincy, Center for Contemplative Science and Compassion-Based Ethics, and Candler School of Theology Chaplaincy Studies.
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Emory University Chaplaincy: Chaplain Office Hours in AMUC 125
Monday-Friday starting Monday, August 31, Noon-2:00 pm, AMUC 125
Emory University Chaplaincy chaplains are available Monday through Friday from approximately Noon-2 pm during term in AMUC Suite 125 to offer pastoral care and have meetings with students, faculty, and staff.
To schedule a time with a chaplain outside of these hours, please contact them directly here.
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Weekly Spiritual Gatherings
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Check back for more weekly gatherings as the semester gets started.
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Register Today: Emory University Chaplaincy Homecoming and Family Weekend Events
October 22-25, 2026
Join the Emory University Chaplaincy for many spiritual programs and festive receptions over Homecoming and Family Weekend. Find our table at the Food and Music Festival on Saturday, October 25 from Noon-4:30 pm on the Quad and be sure to attend one of the spiritual gatherings hosted by our Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim chaplains throughout the weekend
A list of the events and registration info can be found here.
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International Community Friday Lunch
Select Fridays during term, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m, Cannon Chapel, Brooks Commons
International Community Friday Lunch (ICFL) is a long-standing collaboration between the Emory University Chaplaincy and International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). The purpose of these events is to extend a warm welcome, share helpful resources from our sponsors, and create a space for the international community to gather over free lunches or coffee, tea, and refreshments. Available while supplies last, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Fall 2026 dates:
- September 18
- October 16
- November 13
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Upcoming Spiritual Life Programs
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Beloved Community Christian Worship and Free Lunch
Sundays, 11:00 a.m Services, Noon Free Lunch, Cannon Chapel Sanctuary
Emory Beloved Community is a weekly ecumenical Protestant worship service for the campus community, held in Cannon Chapel. All are welcome. See below for a full preacher schedule for this upcoming semester.
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Beloved Community Weekly Bible Study
Tuesdays, Starting September 1, 6:00 p.m., Emory Interfaith Center, 1707 N. Decatur Road
Join us for Bible Study over drinks and snacks every Tuesday at 6 pm at the Emory Interfaith Center. The theme this Fall 2026 semster is Call Stories.
For questions, please contact Christian Chaplain Rev. Maddie Herlong at mhend25@emory.edu.
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Voices of Inner Strength Gospel Choir: Choir Rehearsal
Friday, August 28, 6:00 p.m., Wesley Teaching Chapel
Come try out for Voices of Inner Strength (VOIS) Gospel Choir at our first rehearsal of the year.
For questions, please contact VOIS Music Director Maury Allums here.
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Buddhist Meditation
Thursday, August 27, 6:00 p.m. Cannon Chapel Sanctuary
Join the Emory Buddhist community in guided meditation and discussion. Come to meditate, to make friends, and to learn about Buddhist life at Emory. Come to Cannon Chapel 106 for snacks and discussion beforehand at 5:30 pm.
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Mindfulness Circle
Mondays starting September 14, 6:00-7:00 p.m., Emory Interfaith Center Meditation Room
Facilitated by Emory Buddhist Chaplain Venerable Priya Rakkhit Sraman, the Mindfulness Circle is a space exclusively for Emory students to practice mindfulness as a group. Every Monday during the semester, we will engage in a mindfulness exercise followed by conversations around the practices of mindfulness. Light refreshments will be provided.
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Welcome Back Muslim Jumu'ah Prayers and Halal Lunch
Friday, August 28, Prayers 1:55 p.m., Lunch 2:30 pm, Cannon Chapel Sanctuary
Join us for a special Welcome Back Friday Prayers as you return to campus, which will be followed by a hot halal lunch in Brooks Commons. This week's lunch is a special partnership with Refugee Women's Network.
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Muslim Students Association: Ice Cream Social
Friday, August 28, 3:00 pm (immediately after Jumu'ah prayers and Ummah lunch), Cannon Chapel Underpass
Every year, the Muslim Students Association (MSA) welcomes new Muslim undergraduates at the start of the academic year with a special event following the first Jumu'ah prayers. This year, we will be hosting an Ice Cream Social immediately after Jumu'ah to introduce new students to Emory MSA, share our mission, and highlight opportunities to get involved. For questions, please contact Asmaa Ali at asmaa.ali@emory.edu.
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MSA: Quran Night
Friday, August 28, 6:30 pm, Cannon Chapel
Join us for an inspiring Quran Night. Come together for an evening of reflection, community, and connection.
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Weekly Halaqa
Wednesdays starting September 9, 6:00-7:00 pm, Cannon Chapel 314
All Emory students are invited to join us for an Islamic text study on different topics each week. Dinner will be provided. RSVP here.
For more information, please contact Emory Muslim Chaplain Ustadh Dr. Rahimjon Abdugafurov at rahimjon.abdugafurov@emory.edu.
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MSA: Quran Circle
Beginning September 11, 12:30 & 1:15, Cannon Chapel
Meet members of the Emory Muslim community to study, discuss, and learn from the Quran every Friday.
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Save the Date: Muslim Students Association Welcome Back Gala
Friday, September 18, 6:00 pm, ESC MPRs
Join Emory MSA for our Annual Welcome Back Gala on Friday, September 18 from 6–9pm.
Kick off the semester with good food, fun games, exciting giveaways, and the chance to meet new and familiar faces in the Muslim community. Whether you're a returning student or new to Emory, this is the perfect way to celebrate the start of the year. Stay tuned for more and contact MSA here.
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Welcome Back Hindu Aarti
Friday, August 28, 5:00 p.m., Cannon Chapel Sanctuary
Join Emory's Hindu community for weekly prayers, discussion, and community. All are welcome. Join us after aarti for samosas in Room 106.
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Hillel at Emory: ShaBBQ Kickoff
Friday, August 28, 5:00-8 pm pm, Marcus Hillel Center, 735 Gatewood Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30322
Join Hillel at Emory as we welcome the first Shabbat of the year in style with our first ever ShaBBQ Kickoff. Come together with friends old and new for an evening filled with music, food, and games. Whether you’re a returning student or it’s your first time at Hillel, this is the perfect chance to come together as a community. Shabbat services to follow.
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Hillel at Emory: Welcome Week Events
Welcome Week is Here! We’ve got a week full of events to kick off the semester, meet new friends, and make amazing memories.
Check out all the flyers for details — mark your calendars, grab your friends, and come join us.
We can’t wait to see you at Hillel. Learn more here.
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Chabad at Emory: Shabbat
Fridays during Term, Services 7:30 p.m., Dinner 8:00 p.m., 1500 N Decatur Road, Atlanta, GA 30306
Join fellow Emoryites and experience Shabbat at Chabad. A perfect blend of gourmet food, spirited singing, friendly schmoozing, and inspired ideas. RVSP is a must. Text “Shabbat Dinner” to 404.999.7787 to register. Sponsored by Chabad at Emory. Learn more here.
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University Catholic Center: Sunday Mass
Sundays 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Cannon Chapel
Join us for Sunday Mass on-campus during this orientation weekend. Stay after Mass to meet student leaders and staff members from the University Catholic Center over coffee and donuts with the Emory University Chaplaincy. Contact: Catholic Affiliate Michael Zauche, michael@emorycatholic.org.
Weekly Schedule:
- Sunday: Confessions 8:00-8:50 am Mass at 9:00 am (Cannon Chapel)
- Sunday (starting 8/30): Confessions 4:00-4:50 pm Mass at 5:00 pm (Cannon Chapel)
- Monday: Confessions 4-4:50 pm Mass at 5:00 pm (Catholic Center)
- Tuesday: Mass at 9:00 am (Catholic Center)
- Wednesday: Confessions 4-4:50 pm Mass at 5:00 pm (Catholic Center)
- Thursday: Confessions at 8:00-8:50 am Mass at 9:00 am (Catholic Center)
Learn more at the University Catholic Center website here.
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Emory Wesley Fellowship: Semester Kick-Off
Monday, August 31, 6:00 p.m., Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church lawn, 1660 N Decatur Rd
All are invited to Wesley Fellowship's fall kickoff on Monday, August 31 at 6:00 p.m. Get a free waffle from the Waffle House Food Truck. We'll be on the lawn outside the sanctuary of Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church, located right on the roundabout at Emory Village. Wesley Fellowship is a Christian ministry that professes values of curiosity, inclusion, and radical hospitality.
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Glenn Memorial Unitedf Methodist Church: Young Adult Gatherings
Young adults and college students are invited to gather for Sunday School each Sunday morning at 9:30AM in the Wesley Room in Glenn's Church School Building, room 211. This fall, we're reading the book of Acts. All are welcome — no preparation needed! Let me know if you need help finding our room, and I'll share directions. Donuts provided.
Wed, Sep 2 — Theology on Tap — We'll gather at 7PM for a discussion on faith and AI. Stay tuned in the GroupMe to see where we'll meet.
Wed, Sep 9 — Serving with Snack in a Backpack — Join us for a night serving with Snack in a Backpack, Glenn's ministry that feeds over 400 food-insecure students each week at neighboring elementary schools. We'll meet at Glenn's Youth & Activities Building (1669 N Decatur Rd, across the street from the Sanctuary) at 7PM and help Snack prepare for packing on Thursday by setting up tables, counting and sorting food, and taking inventory. Expect time spent on your feet and lifting and moving things. If you plan to join us, please sign up here so Snack's coordinators can plan accordingly.
Sun, Sep 13 — Discernment & Discipleship Session with Bec Cranford — This will be the first session of our year-long focus on vocational discernment. We have the privilege of spending time with my old friend Bec Cranford. Bec is a spiritual director, activist, artist, advocate, and minister who will be leading us in work on spiritual gifts. If you plan to join us, please RSVP here by September 9 so that I can order enough food and accommodate dietary needs.
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RUF: Upcoming Programs
Connect with RUF at these upcoming programs.
For more information, please contact Rev. George Hamm here at or click here for more information.
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Journey Christian Fellowship: Welcome Week
Intro week schedule, starting ont he first day of classe. Come say hello and learn more here.
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Emory Christian Fellowship: Bible Study
Thursday, September 3, 7:15 p.m., Few Hall Room 131
We are a non-denominational Christian student organization apart of Intervarsity on campus. We host weekly bible studies on Thursdays from 7:15-9pm in Few Hall rm 131. Learn more here.
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Emory InterVarsity Graduate Christian Fellowship: August Welcome Dinner
Friday, September 4, 7:00 p.m., Brooks Commons, Cannon Chapel
Join us for a time of fellowship to welcome back returning members and meet new faces. All grad students are welcome, regardless of program or religious background. This is a perfect time to invite someone new. To learn more, please email esomsen@emory.edu.
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International InterVarsity Fellowship
Our summer activities ended and our new school year is about to start. Please check and sign up for our coming activities here.
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Interfaith Children's Movement: Growing Forward Together Birthday Fundraiser
Sunday, August 30, 2:00-5:30 p.m., The Carter Center, 2676 Clairmont Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30329
We're marking the completion of 25 years of bringing people of different faiths, backgrounds, and communities together around a shared commitment to Georgia's children. And while we'll certainly take time to celebrate where we've been, we're also looking forward to where we're going. Our theme this year is Growing Forward Together, and that's exactly what I hope the afternoon feels like: a joyful gathering of people who believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive and that all of us have a role to play in making that possible.
Reserve a ticket or become a sponsor here.
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Interfaith Atlanta: In Remembrance of 9/11: 25 Years Later
Thursday, September 10, 6:30 - 8:30 pm, Decatur Legacy Park Hawkins Hall, 500 S Columbia Dr, Decatur, GA 30030
Please join Interfaith Atlanta, First Christian Church of Decatur, and Gentle Spirit Christian Church for an interfaith commemoration of the tragic events of 9/11, 25 years later. This will be a time of solemn reflection and hopeful anticipation of continued interfaith unity. We will hear from special guest speaker Ali Khaleel, Assistant Director of Emerging Leaders Network at Interfaith America.
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Grant Park Meditation: Mindfulness for Educators
Saturday, September 12, 10:00 a.m., Chua Quang Minh Temple, 1168 Benteen Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
For teachers, school staff, and education professionals on preventing burnout, cultivating presence, and bringing mindfulness into the classroom and daily life. Led by Emory University's Buddhist chaplain, Venerable Priya.
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Georgia Interfaith Power and Light: Upcoming Programs
- Intown Family Garba — Saturday, Sept. 12, 4:30–9:30 p.m., Ebster Recreation Center, Decatur. (Metro Atlanta) — Celebrate Navaratri with music, aarti, dancing, and food. All proceeds benefit GIPL. Pre-Purchase Tickets Here Today.
- Reverse Tashlich — Sunday, Sept. 20, 10 a.m. – noon, Mason Mill Park. (Metro Atlanta) — Join this global Jewish environmental ritual and river cleanup in partnership with Adamah ATL. Register Here Today.
- World Rivers Day Creek Cleanups — Sunday, Sept. 27, 2–4 p.m. (Metro Atlanta) — In celebration of World Rivers Day and Global Ismaili Civic Day, faith communities across metro Atlanta will come together for an interfaith service opportunity, caring for our waterways, local ecosystems, and neighbors by cleaning up our local creeks. Register Here Today.
Learn more about GIPL here.
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Georgia Interfaith Public Policy Center: Community Development Symposium
September 17-18, Loudermilk Conference Center, 40 Courtland Street, Atlanta, GA 30303
The GIPPC Community Development Symposium bring together faith-based organizations, real estate developers, academics, national and local funders, and policy leaders to advance a shared vision for community development anchored by faith-based institutions.
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The Carter Center: Disagreeing in Good Faith Service of Prayer
Thursday, October 22, 7:00-8:30 p.m., The Carter Center's Cecil B. Day Chapel
As we prepare for the upcoming midterm General Election, please save the date for the fourth Service of Prayer event on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at The Carter Center. Join faith and youth leaders from Georgia for this unique multi-faith convening to help us all reflect on the values that connect us ahead of the election. Please RSVP here.
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Emory Farmers Market
Tuesday, September 1, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., McDonough Field
The first Emory Farmers Market of the year will be held Tuesday, September 1, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM on McDonough Field. Stop by to meet our vendors, purchase locally-sourced food, and enjoy lunch with friends. Learn more here.
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Undergraduate Student Involvement Fair 2026
September 2-3, 8:00-10:00 p.m., McDonough Field
Are you just eager to get involved and see how organizations can benefit both you and the community? Come to the 2026 Fall Student Involvement Fair to learn more about student organizations on campus. Registered Student Organizations (RSO) will be there showcasing what they do and how you can get involved. You will get to meet individual members of organizations and ask any questions you have. Involvement opportunities are in abundance on this campus and there is definitely something for everyone at Emory. Register on the hub.
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Volunteer Emory: Impact Day
Saturday, September 26, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., ESC Multipurpose Rooms
We are only one month away from the BIGGEST service day of the semester. Reserve your spot today by scanning the QR code or by clicking the link below, and bring your friends for an amazing day dedicated to helping the community around us. RSVP here.
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Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.): The Jesus & Justice Young Adult Advocacy Conference
Friday, October 23 - Sunday, October 25, 7:00-8:30 p.m., Columbia Theological Seminary
The Jesus & Justice Young Adult Advocacy Conference brings together college students, seminarians, faith leaders, and advocates for a weekend of faith-based advocacy training, worship, workshops, panel discussions, networking, and direct action. Hosted by the Advocacy and Witness Offices of Presbyterian Life and Witness, the conference will take place October 23–25, 2026, at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia, and is designed to equip young adults with practical tools for engaging justice issues from Presbyterian, ecumenical, and diverse perspectives. Registration is $15, scholarships are widely available, and meals are included; participants are responsible for transportation and lodging.
You can find more information and the registration for participants by visiting our conference webpage.
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Emory University Chaplaincy Sacred Spaces
The Emory University Chaplaincy maintains many prayer and meditation spaces across campus, including the Emory Interfaith Center at 1707 N. Decatur Road. Please feel free to stop by for a free coffee or snack, reserve space for your spiritual gatherings, talk with a chaplain, or just relax.
Learn more about the Emory Interfaith Center here. Learn about our other sacred spaces here.
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Religious Accommodations: List of Major Religious Holidays 2026-27
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Emory University Chaplaincy seeks to provide guidance for the Emory community regarding upcoming religious holiday observances that may impact the community by providing a list of major religious holidays observed by sizeable religious demographic groups within the Emory community.
These are provided in order to assist community members with avoiding potential schedule conflicts. For more information, please click here.
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Upcoming Religious Holidays
These events are drawn from the multifaith calendar maintained by the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life at Harvard Divinity School. To see more upcoming religious holidays and festivals, please click here.
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Raksha Bandhan
Thu., Aug. 27, 2026
Tradition: Hinduism
Also abbreviated to Rakhi, it is the Hindu festival that celebrates brotherhood and love. It is celebrated on the full moon in the month of Sravana in the lunar calendar.
Krishna Janmashtami
Thu., Sep. 3, 2026
Tradition: Hinduism
Celebrates the birthday of Krishna. According to the Hindu epics, Krishna was the eighth incarnation of the God Vishnu, opposed to the demon Kansa, who was responsible for the increase of evil in the world. Worship of Krishna is characteristically expressed in dance and song.
Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos
Tue., Sep. 8, 2026
Tradition: Christianity-Orthodox
Celebrates the belief that Mary, mother of Jesus, was born without sin.
Paryushana Festival
Tue., Sep. 8 – Wed., Sep. 16, 2026
Tradition: Jainism
Considered the holiest period of the year, these eight days are marked for Jains by fasting, meditation, prayer. and public readings of the life story of Lord Mahavira. Observed especially by the followers of the Shvetambara sect, Paryushana concludes on Samvatsari, the most solemn occasion of self-scrutiny and forgiveness. On this day, Jains ask for forgiveness from their relatives and friends for any offense they may have committed by deed, word, or thought.
Rosh Hashanah
Fri., Sep. 11 – Sun., Sep. 13, 2026
Tradition: Judaism
The Jewish New Year and the anniversary of the creation of the world, Rosh Hashanah is the first of the Ten Days of Awe (also known as the Ten Days of Repentance) that conclude on Yom Kippur. It marks the beginning of the holiest time of the year for Jews.
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Emory University Chaplaincy ENews is published weekly during term by the Emory University Chaplaincy, publicizing Atlanta-campus spiritual life programs. It is not a comprehensive listing. For Oxford College spiritual life, please click here. To submit information or to update your preferences, please contact religiouslife@emory.edu.
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