Thursday, December 10, 2009

Feast of the Holy Nativity - 2009

Feast of the Holy Nativity 2009

Dear Brothers and Sisters and Friends in Christ Who is born,
 
Christ is Born – Glorify Him!
 
I behold a new and wondrous mystery! My ears resound to the shepherd’s song, piping no soft melody, but loudly chanting a heavenly hymn! The angels sing! The archangels blend their voices in harmony! The cherubim resound their joyful praise! The seraphim exalt His glory! All join to praise this holy feast, beholding the Godhead herein on earth and Man in heaven. He, Who is above now, for our salvation, dwells here below, and we, who were lowly, are exalted by divine mercy!  St. John Chrysostom

Christ, the Son, now Man, comes to us in the deepest poverty, the greatest humility to be our Redeemer, our King.  Christ is King, not only as God, but also as Man.  He is King, not only by reason of perfection of His humanity, not only because He has purchased us as His people by redeeming us; He is King because His is the Word incarnate.
 
Orthodox Christians place great importance to the celebration of the Birth of Christ.  It is a day of rejoicing because on this day we receive the opportunity for Eternal Salvation with God in Heaven.  We invite you to join our community here at the Mor Gregorios Community Center and St. Mary the Protectress Orthodox Church in this celebration.
 
  • Weekend Retreat of Preparation – Saturday, December 19th, Morning Prayers 9:30 AM, with time for reflection and spiritual guidance and direction following. Lunch will be served.
  • Divine Liturgy – Sunday before Christmas, December 20th, 10:30 AM
  • Divine Liturgy – Thursday 10:00 PM December 24th, celebrating His Birth
  • Divine Liturgy – Sunday after Christmas, December 27, commemorating the Slaughter of the Holy Infants, 10:30 AM

May our hearts be pure in our celebration of our Lord’s Divine Birth as was the Father’s gift to all of mankind.  And may God’s blessings be upon you this Nativity Feast season.

The Mor Gregorios Community Center and St. Mary the Protectress Orthodox Church are located at 1000 South Michigan Street, Plymouth, Indiana.  We are on the corner of Oak Hill and Michigan Streets in the white A-frame building across from the Webster Elementary School.  If you need direction, or want further information, you can email us at monastery@synesius.com, or call the community center and church at 574-540-2048.

 
Yours in Christ,
Father Theodosius

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