The ranking system is as follows:
The listing of commemorations, by day, with their appropriate symbols can be found in the Typicon and also the Great Book of Hours (at least in the Russian versions of these texts). Typically, the symbols which denote the rank of the feast are not hard-and-fast, and there is a certain
amount of inconsistency in the application of them.
Peter Fekula
Has no symbol.
Symbol: a black mis-shapen semicircle (with the opening to one side) with three dots inside.
At Lord I have cried there are 6 stichera appointed to the saint of the day, rather than 3 from the Octoechos and 3 for the saint.
There are other differences, as well, such as the presence often of a doxasticon (sticheron at "Glory") at the Vespers aposticha, and others.
Symbol: The same as for a 6-stichera commemoration, but in red
the Doxology at the end of Matins is sung, not read,
The conclusion of the Matins service is different, as well
a full katavasia is appointed for Doxology-rank commemorations
the proportion of troparia at canon that are dedicated to the saint increases, etc.
Symbol: a red cross
the Polyeleos is chanted at Matins
there is a
Gospel at matins (after the polyeleos)
there is a Litya at Vespers usually
the Octoechos is set aside
numerous other changes
Symbol: a red cross in a properly-shaped semicircle (open at the top) .
Vespers and Matins are combined into an All-night Vigil.
In the Russian tradition (at least), the Apostle John, the Theologian is a Vigil-rank saint and
certain Polyeleos-rank saints are typically celebrated as Vigil-rank,
such as St. Vladimir, St. Sergius and others
Symbol: A red cross inside a full circle.
Annunciation, Dormition, etc. In the Russian tradition, the Feast of the Protection [Oct. 1] is also a Vigil-rank commemoration
Symbol: A red cross inside a full circle.
Nativity, Theophany, Transfiguration, etc.
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