Season of Creation

Definition and Meaning

The Season of Creation (Korean: 창조절) is a season that calls to mind the Christian belief in creation, the conviction that God made the world. It also serves to renew the confession that human beings are stewards entrusted with the care of the natural world. Internationally, the term most often refers to the period from September 1 to October 4. During this season, churches incorporate themes such as the climate crisis, environmental destruction, and respect for life into their worship, prayer, and education.

Biblical and Historical Background

Churches that observe the Season of Creation cite the following passages as its basis:

• The creation narrative in Genesis 1–2
• Psalm 24:1, which declares that the earth and all that is in it belong to God
• Romans 8:19–22, which speaks of the creature waiting for "the manifestation of the sons of God"

September 1 marks the beginning of the church year in the Eastern Orthodox Church. In 1989, Ecumenical Patriarch Dimitrios I of Constantinople designated this day as a day of prayer for creation. Protestant churches in the ecumenical movement, including those of the World Council of Churches, subsequently joined in this observance. October 4, the feast day of Francis of Assisi, who is known for his love of nature, became established as the close of the season. In the Catholic Church, Pope Francis designated September 1 as the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation in 2015.

Practice in Korean Churches

In Korea, the denomination that observes the Season of Creation most clearly is the Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea (PROK). The PROK includes the Season of Creation in its own church calendar and reportedly observes it as an extended season running from around September until the beginning of Advent. During this period, sermons and prayers focus on the themes of creation and life.

In addition, some other denominations and congregations that follow the church calendar, as well as Christian environmental organizations, publish worship resources for the Season of Creation and observe an Environment Sunday.

Many denominations and churches, however, place little emphasis on the church calendar. In these settings the Season of Creation is often not observed separately; instead, thanksgiving for creation and for God's provision is addressed during seasons such as Thanksgiving. The Season of Creation is observed mainly at the discretion of individual congregations or through cooperative activities rather than at the denominational level.