Nativity of Our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ

December 26-31, 2007

Post-Festive Days of Christmas 

Nativity

Luke 2:1-10 - And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. (KJV – Gospel from the Vigil Vespers and Divine Liturgy of St. Basil)

St. John the Monk – Heaven and earth are united today, for Christ is born! Today God has come upon earth, and man has gone up to heaven. Today, for the sake of man the invisible one is seen in the flesh. Let us glorify Him and cry aloud: “Glory to God in the highest! The peace of His Birth to the entire earth! O Savior, glory to You!”

Scripture

  • Vespers and Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great - Genesis 1:1-13, Numbers 24:2,3;5-9,17,18, Micah 4:6,7;5:2-4, Isaiah 11:1-10, Baruch 3:36-4:4, Daniel 2:31-36,44,45, Isaiah 9:6,7, Isaiah 7:10-16; 8:1-4, 8-10, Hebrews 1:1-12, Luke 2:1-20
  • Matins - Matthew 1:18-25
  • Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom - Galatians 4:4-7, Matthew 2:1-12 

December Calendar

  • 25 - Feast of the Nativity of Christ (Christmas)
  • 26 - Synaxis of the Mother of God
  • 27 - Protomartyr Stephen
  • 28 - 20,000 Martyrs of Nicomedia
  • 29 - Holy Innocents
  • 30 - Sunday after Christmas - Memory of the Holy and Just Joseph Husband of Mary; of David the Prophet and King; and of the Holy Apostle James, Brother of the Lord

The icon is a detail of the Nativity.

Jesus Christ the Lifegiver

Welcome!

Here you will find news and general information about the Byzantine Catholic (Greek Catholic) and other Eastern Christian Churches. This site is unofficial.

Joachim and Anna Rejoice

Today the bonds of childlessness are loosed, * for God has heard Joachim and Anna * and He promises manifestly that they, against all hope, would give birth to the Maiden of God * from whom the Uncircumscribed One Himself would be born, becoming man, * and he commanded the Angels to cry out to her: * “Rejoice, O Full of Grace, the Lord is with you!” (Troparion - Tone 4)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Today the whole world celebrates * the conception of Anne which was brought about by God, * for she gave birth to the one who, beyond understanding, * gave birth to the Word. (Kontakion - Tone 4)

Saint Nicholas of Myra

The truth of your deeds has revealed you to your flock, * as a rule of faith, an image of meekness, and a teacher of abstinence. * Therefore, you attained the heights through humility, * and riches through poverty. * O Father and Hierarch Nicholas, * pray to Christ God that our souls may be saved. (Troparion, Tone 4)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

In Myra, You were shown to be a servant of the sacred things, O Holy Nicholas, * for, fulfilling the Gospel of Christ, you, O Venerable, laid down your life for your people, * and saved the innocent from death. * Therefore, you were sanctified as a great initiate of the grace of God. (Kontakion, Tone 3)

Feasts & Fasts

December
6 St Nicholas the Wonderworker and Archbishop of Myra in Lycia
9 (8) The Conception of the Most Holy Mother of God by the Righteous Anna
11 Second Sunday Before Christmas (Holy Forefathers)
12 Our Lady of Guadalupe (Ruthenians, USA)
18 Sunday Before Christmas (Holy Fathers)
24 Christmas Eve
25 The Nativity of our Lord God and Savior, Jesus Christ
26 Synaxis of the Most Holy Mother of God, Boxing Day (Canada)
27 First-Martyr and Archdeacon Stephen
28 20,000 Martyrs of Nicomedia
29 14,000 Infants (the Holy Innocents) Slain by Herod at Bethlehem

News of the Christian East