December 2021 – Saint Anthony the Great Orthodox Church

The Adoration of the Magi: Melchior, Caspar, and Balthasar and Commemoration of the Shepherds in Bethlehem who were watching their flocks, and went to see the Lord

December 26, 2021 by Juline W Leave a Comment

Commemorated on December 25 The Nativity of Christ was revealed to the Magi by a wondrous star. Saint John Chrysostom and Saint Theophylactus, commenting on Saint Matthew’s Gospel, say that this was no ordinary star. Rather, it was “a divine and angelic power that appeared in the form of a star.” Saint Demetrius of Rostov says … [Read more…]

The Nativity of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ

December 25, 2021 by Juline W Leave a Comment

Commemorated on December 25 Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, was born of the Most Holy Virgin Mary in the city of Bethlehem during the reign of the emperor Augustus (Octavian). Caesar Augustus decreed that a universal census be made throughout his Empire, which then also included Palestinian Israel. The Jews were accustomed … [Read more…]

Eve of the Nativity of our Lord

December 24, 2021 by Juline W

Commemorated on December 24 In Slavic practice, on the eve of the Nativity of the Lord, the liturgical services consist of the Royal Hours with the Typika, Vespers, and the Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great. At Vigil in the evening, Great Compline is followed by Matins. If the Nativity falls on Sunday, however, the … [Read more…]

The Nativity of Christ

December 23, 2021 by Juline W Leave a Comment

One of the ways we celebrate the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ is to sing the Troparion of the Feast. The words of the hymn describe Jesus Christ as the light of the world, the Sun of Righteousness and the Orient from on high. The hymn also refers to the wise men from the … [Read more…]