The Orthodox Observer places the Church in the context of the current world we live in through a diverse and informative experience — offering participants meaningful exchange with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, her ministries, and affiliates. Just as Jesus was born in the most humble of circumstances, we also can bring Him forth in small and modest ways. Facebook | The Feast of Christmas was solemnly celebrated in the Greek Orthodox parishes of Victoria. 2. Religious Gifts Religious Art Christ The Good Shepherd Glass Tile Pendant Orthodox Icons Hanging Ornaments Altar Christmas Bulbs Greek Christmas lights on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, which is Canada’s capital, have in recent times remained lit until January 8. Older Post Royal Hours and Vesperal Divine Liturgy on Christmas Eve Morning - December 24, 2020. The Church Year, The Mission of The Orthodox Church in America, the local autocephalous Orthodox Christian Church, is to be faithful in fulfilling the commandment of Christ to “Go into all the world and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…”, Founded in 1794 — Granted Autocephaly in 1970. The feast of Christmas was not a separate Church feast for the first four centuries of Christian history. Paramony is observed as a strict fast day, on which those faithful who are physically able to, refrain from food until the first star is observed in the evening or after the Vesperal Divine Liturgy, when a meal with wine and oil may be taken. His goodness nourishes us, just as He suckled at the breast of His Holy Mother. According to the Julian calendar, it is celebrated on 25th December. 8 East 79th Street • New York, NY 10075 christmas eve divine service - the royal hours All Divine Liturgies in the Orthodox Church are preceded by the chanting of the Hours services, consisting of Psalms, hymns and prayers. These fasts mean abstinence from foods derived from animals and fish containing red blood (cephalopods such as octopus and squid are allowed since they do not have red blood), dairy products, eggs, and at times from olive oil and wine as well. For our strongest advocate with the Lord is the Theotokos, who humbled herself to enter the cave. The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston, with its headquarters located in Brookline, Massachusetts, is comprised of 62 parishes throughout New England – the North Eastern part of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, which is under the spiritual guidance and canonical jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. [‡]. Finally we the Liturgy of Christmas itself in which we joyously cry out to one another, “Christ is born!” “Glorify Him!” And yet…. See more of St. Philip Greek Orthodox Church on Facebook. Orthodox Christmas day or merry Christmas orthodox 2021 is going to celebrate on Thursday and the date will be the 7th of January. He was born in the most humble and poor circumstances of the world at His own Nativity. Copyright © 1996–2021. Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, has shone to the world the light of wisdom! ... Sign Up. 2. Volume II - Worship: Instagram | Thus, we sing in the Church. Connect With Us. literally 'Christ's bread'). A specific two-day celebration follows, dedicated to Mary the Theotokos and Saint Stephen, the First Martyr. Certain individuals and institutions are presented for reference purposes only and may not be under the supervision or jurisdiction of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. It was celebrated with Epiphany in the one great feast of God’s appearance on earth in the form of the human Messiah of Israel. Search, Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America. Since for our sake the Eternal God is born as a little child (Kontakion). A protester prepares celebratory dinner for demonstrators on the eve of Orthodox Christmas at Independence Square in Kiev, Ukraine, where … Liturgy Epistle: Hebrews 11:9-10, 32-40 Liturgy Gospel: Matthew 1:1-25 The Christmas Tree and Orthodox Tradition By Metropolitan Hierotheos Vlachos of Nafpaktos I suspect that the custom of decorating a tree at Christmas time is not simply a custom which came to us from the West and which we should replace with other more Orthodox customs. © 2017 Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Christmas Eve by Archimandrite Evmenios Vassilopoulos at the Church of the Transfiguration of the Saviour in Thomastown, Melbourne. The period of Christmas rejoicing extends to Epiphany during which time the Christmas songs are sung and fasting and kneeling in prayer are not called for by the Church. As in Serbia, pork is the traditional roast meat of Greek tables at Christmas - turkey is a relative newcomer. 242.8019 Create New Account. As Orthodox Christians, we begin the celebration of the Nativity of Christ (December 25) with a time of preparation. Orthodox Eastern Church. Many Orthodox Christians fast before January 7, usually excluding meat and dairy products. Sections of this page. And when He makes His home within us, He tames all the savage movements of our minds and hearts that lie just beneath our conscious awareness. Schedule of Services. At Christmas we celebrate the birth as a man of the Son of God, the one who together with the Father and the Holy Spirit is truly God from all eternity. These include Christmas Eve from 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. and New Year’s Day from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon, to be celebrated by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America. Because every Divine Liturgy is an opportunity to give birth to Christ the Lord in our lives. O Shepherds and wisemen, bring your gifts and bear witness. ​The Archdiocese responds to the spiritual needs of the Greek Orthodox Christian Faithful through National Ministries, providing programs and services to your local parishes, Metropolises, and you. Illumined by the Star of Love and Peace, surrounded by the simplicity of that night in Bethlehem – a mother’s love, a guardian’s protection, the shepherds’ wonder, the Magi’s gifts – we, too, are called to enter into the cave of our hearts and discover the most precious gift that God has ever given the world, Incarnate Love. His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America Homily at the Divine Liturgy on Christmas Eve. The Christmas celebration began of Christmas Eve, Wednesday, 6 January 2021. But she was obedient to God – not out of fear, but out of wisdom and faith. This is the schedule my parish is doing, not sure if it's the same but it is two services on Christmas eve and one on Christmas morning. They inspired him to write the Canon of the Feast of Christmas that we all know: Χριστὸς γεννᾶται, δοξάσατε! He was born in the most humble and poor circumstances of the world at His own Nativity. I. Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia. 12/24/20 LIVE Greek Orthodox Christmas Eve Vespers - YouTube From the domed basilica architecture to the iconography adorning the walls and windows, the Cathedral is designed as a reflection and embodiment of many of the fundamental beliefs of the Orthodox Church. At the Christmas services these words of the angelic song are normally sung with great solemnity rather than being chanted as at the daily service. Site Map | Behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel, which translated is, God with us (Is 7.14–15). Angels, with shepherds, glorify Him! Today the Virgin gives birth to the Transcendent One, and the earth offers a cave to the Unapproachable One! For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulders, and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end (Is 9.6–7). Who ever heard of the birth of a king without servants, and guards, and attendants? Prayer-books and devotions. All we have to do is to think and act with kindness, warm-heartedness, understanding, respect, humility, mercy, forgiveness and compassion toward others. or. YouTube | The feast of Christmas is formally entitled the Nativity in the Flesh of our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ. Remember, she was the daughter of rich parents, Joachim and Anna. Log In. But when we welcome the Lord to our innermost selves – through His immeasurable love for us, and in the Holy Sacraments, He makes His home inside of us. I greet all of you this evening with these first words of Saint Gregory the Theologian’s Christmas Homily, preached over sixteen-hundred years ago! For He is glorified (First Ode of the Christmas Canon). For the Media. Christmas Eve Vesperal Liturgy. The Orthodox Faith / Foods may include: 1. On the eve of Christmas, the Royal Hours are read and the Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil is served with Vespers. Greek Orthodox Priest Stops Liturgy, Asks Maskless Faithful to Leave Christmas Services by Gregory PappasDecember 28, 2020 written by Gregory PappasDecember 28, 2020 Asking massless faithful to respect their fellow congregants, a Greek Orthodox priest in Kalamata interrupted Divine Liturgy and asked those not wearing masks to leave the church. The Vigil of Christmas begins with Great Compline, highlighted once again by the solemn chanting of God is with us and the words of the prophecy of Isaiah. Christ is from heaven, go to meet Him. For by it, those who worshiped the stars were taught by a star to adore Thee, the Sun of Righteousness and to know Thee, the Orient from on high [Lk 1.78, translated as Dawn or Day spring]. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Eastern Orthodox people have a rich tradition of carols, and the liturgical offices of Christmas Eve feature numerous lessons from the Scriptures (especially the Royal Hours and the Vespers with Liturgy of Basil). Contact Us. She entered the cave to give birth, and in so doing, opened the gates of Paradise. Dear faithful parishioners of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Community of London, Due to the recent events with regards to COVID-19 and under the direction of the Premier of Ontario, Mr. Doug Ford, Ontario will be in lock down as of December 26th, 2020. The divine liturgy of our father among the saints John Chrysostom = I theia leitourgia tou en agiois patros imon Ioannou tou Chrysostomou. Christmas Eve: 9am Royal Hours followed immediately by a Vesperal Liturgy. He does not spurn us if we are poor and destitute of virtue. This is the profound and awesome mystery that we behold and venerate tonight. Back to Top. Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation, 2500 Clairmont Rd NE, Atlanta GA 30329, (404) 633-5870. The Church’s official hymnography continues to … Sing to the Lord, all the earth. For the Virgin is coming bearing Christ in her womb (Vesperal Hymn of Saint Nicholas Day). The Christmas Liturgy begins with psalms of glorification and praise. Your support helps us further the vital ministry work. We are not afraid of God, because who is afraid of a newborn baby? The information contained on the website of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is for informational purposes only. Jump to. Get the Orthodox Observer delivered to your inbox. When you enter St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral during our open prayer hours or for services, you are immersed in a completely unique experience. Father!” So through God, you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son then an heir (Gal 4.4–7). The baptismal line from Galatians 3.27 once again replaces the Thrice-Holy. The experience provides the faithful significant content to listen to, watch, and read; in order to lead, grow, and inspire. Facebook. Christmas Day: 10am 3rd and 6th Hour followed immediately by Divine Liturgy On this day’s morning, the Patriarchal Entourage marched from the Patriarchate Headquarters to Jaffa Gate. Contact | We do not have to set up philanthropies and charities, or make supersized donations  – even though if we are able to do so, it is a good and praiseworthy work. Forty days before the feast of the birth of Our Lord we enter the period of the Christmas Fast, to purify both soul and body to enter properly into and partake of the great spiritual reality of Christ's … The troparion and kontakion mark the entrance with the Book of the Gospels. The Nativity began to be celebrated as such on the twenty-fifth of December in order to offset the pagan festival of the Invincible Sun which occurred on that day. Event Location: Church. Evmenios read the encyclical of the Archbishop of Australia on Christmas Day and then referred to the adversities and trials of this year, … ISBN 0 646 44791 2. But in the Great Cathedral of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople, the Byzantine Emperor was present each year at the service beginning the celebration of the Holy Nativity of Christ. In humbleness and meekness, and this is how He is born within us, so that we may also bring Him forth in the world, by our thoughts, our words and our actions. Is it not marvelous that before every Divine Liturgy, when we close the Orthros, the Doxology that includes the Celestial Hymn of the Angels is chanted? Who ever heard of the birth of a king without servants, and guards, and attendants? We don’t…. In a cave with beasts, for there was no room at the Inn … not much for a king. His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros (Lambriniadis) of America was born in 1967 in Bakirköy, Istanbul. Twitter | The Epistle reading is from Galatians: But when the time had fully come, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. If it becomes a habit of self-protection, it really is soul-destroying and heart-numbing. Forgot account? Content copyright 2016-2021. This is how Christ was born in Bethlehem of Judea. This part of the festal vigil, which is done on all great feasts, is called the litya (in Greek, the artoklasia or the breaking of the bread). This part of the festal vigil, which is done on all great feasts, is called the litya (in Greek, the artoklasia or the breaking of the bread). *The days calling for its celebration in some or all years include: Dec. 24, Jan. 5, March 25, Holy and Great Thursday, Holy and Great Saturday. Pledge. Like an animal, we are insensible to the pain of others, and so, we strike out. At these services the Old Testament prophecies of Christ’s birth are chanted, emphasizing the prophecy of Micah which foretells Bethlehem as the birthplace of the Saviour, and the prophecies of Isaiah about the appearance and character of the Messiah: The Lord Himself will give you a sign. (Troparion). The day is a time of reflection, inner thoughts and healing in many eastern European countries. Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom. The Christmas Eve Liturgy will be broadcast on Time Warner Digital Channel 509 – The Greek Channel (NGTV) on Christmas Day at 11:00 a.m. Home / Many people attend a special church liturgy on Christmas Day. 1. The gospel reading from Matthew (1.18–25) tells of the birth of Christ, and all of the hymns and verses glorify His appearance on earth: Christ is born, glorify Him. He comes ever so gently into our hearts. The wise men journey with the star! He was born with an old man as his honor guard, but the aged Joseph was the ancestor of kings – David and Solomon – and he proved the most worthy guardian. May the miracle of the Lord’s Holy Nativity fill your hearts and minds with love for Him – the gentle Babe of Bethlehem – and may He grant unto us all a blessed Feast of Christmas, and a safe, prosperous and healthy New Year! The celebration of the feast of the Nativity of Christ in the Orthodox Church is patterned after the celebration of the feast of the Lord’s Resurrection. Sing out with gladness, all ye people. At the beginning of the Christmas Matins, which together with Compline form the Christmas Vigil, the six matinal psalms begin as usual with the words: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will among men” (Lk 2.14). The Orthodox Christian Faith proclaims the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the teachings of the Apostles, and the tradition and life of the living Church worldwide through worship, communion, witness, and service. We have the Liturgy of the Paramon on the Eve of Christmas in which we celebrate the upcoming feast. Alexander Schmemann The Nativity Cycle. When we hurt or injure others in thought, word, or deed, it is because we are reacting out of our own pain. God is with us, understand all ye nations, and submit yourselves, for God is with us (Is 8.9). And why? Log In. Christ is on earth, be ye lifted up. We invite you to prayerfully consider sharing the resources given to you by God with a donation to the Archdiocese. Christmas Eve is traditionally called Paramony (Greek: παραμονή, Slavonic: navechérie). Press alt + / to open this menu. Make ready, O Manger. Thus, on Saint Andrew’s Day (November 30) and Saint Nicholas Day (December 6) songs are sung to announce the coming birthday of the Lord: Adorn yourself, O Cavern. The Liturgical Guide and Bulletin for Sunday, January 31, 2021 January 28, 2021 - 7:08 pm; Divine Liturgy – 01/24/2021 January 24, 2021 - 11:04 am; The Liturgical Guide and Bulletin for Sunday, January 24, 2021 January 21, 2021 - 5:07 pm Inside each and every one of us is an untamed element, an instinctual reactivity that often strikes out against others. But the Lord was born with the greatest servant of all, the handmaid of the Lord – His Holy Mother. 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