Saturday Vigil                    5:00pm
                            Sunday Divine Liturgy       9:30am
                            Sunday Bible Study           to resume after
                                                                      Theophany
                            Wednesday Akathist          6:30pm
                             Friday Small Compline      6:30pm



Today’s Readings
Epistle: Hebrews 11:9-10, 17-23, 32-40
Gospel: Matthew 1:1-25


Sunday Troparion, Tone 5: Let us, O faithful, praise and worship the Word * Who is co-unoriginate with the Father and the Spirit, * and Who was born of the Virgin for our salvation; * for He was pleased to ascend the Cross in the flesh * and to endure death, * and to raise the dead by His glorious Resurrection.

Troparion of the Holy Fathers, Tone 2:  Great are the triumphs of faith! * In the fountain of flame, as in refreshing water, * the Three Holy Children rejoiced. * And the prophet Daniel proved a shepherd of lions as of sheep. * By their prayers, O Christ God, save our souls.
 
Troparion of the Forefeast, Tone 4:  Make ready, O Bethlehem, * Eden hath been opened unto all. * Prepare, O Ephratha, * for the Tree of life hath blossomed in the cave from the Virgin. * For her womb proved to be a spiritual paradise * wherefrom there came the Divine Plant, * whereof eating we shall live and not die like Adam. * Christ is born * to raise the image that fell of old.

Kontakion of the Fathers, Tone 1:  Rejoice, O Bethlehem! * Ephratha, make ready! * for behold, the Ewe hasteneth to give birth unto the Great Shepherd * Whom she carrieth in her womb. * And seeing Him, the God-bearing Fathers rejoice, * and with the shepherds praise the Virgin who giveth milk.
 
Kontakion of the Forefeast, Tone 2: Beholding Him Who holdeth the whole world in His hands * wrapped in swaddling bands in Bethlehem, * let us offer up hymns of the forefeast to her who gave birth to Him; * for she rejoiceth maternally, * holding the Son of God at her bosom.
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Troparion of the Nativity, Tone 4: Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, * hath shined upon the world the light of knowledge; * for thereby, they that worshipped the stars * were taught by a star * to worship Thee, the Sun of Righteousness, * and to know Thee, the Dayspring from on high. * O Lord, glory be to Thee.
 
Kontakion of the Nativity, Tone 3:  Today the Virgin giveth birth to Him Who is transcendent in essence; * and the earth offereth a cave to Him Who is unapproachable. * Angels with shepherds give glory; * with a star the Magi do journey; * for our sake a young Child is born, Who is pre-eternal God.


Parish News

+ Lillian Williams was hospitalized for two days this week, after having trouble recovering from the anesthesia from a routine procedure. She is home now and recovering well. Thank you to everyone for your prayers.

+ Many thanks to all who contributed to our annual food drive for the Buffalo City Mission. God bless you!

+ Today after Divine Liturgy we will serve our monthly Moleben for the Conversion of the Non-Orthodox. Please bring your lists of non-Orthodox relatives and friends to be commemorated.

+ The Parish Council will meet today at coffee hour.

+ Many thanks to Mischlers Florist and American Beauties Florist for the lovely poinsettias.

+ Royal Hours: Wednesday at 9:00am. Confessions will be heard after the service.

+ On Wednesday at 5:00pm we will have our Sochelnik (Christmas Eve Dinner).

+ Vigil for Nativity: Wednesday at 6:30pm. During the Vigil we will greet each other with the traditional greeting: “Christ is born!” “Glorify Him!” Confessions will be heard after the Gospel reading and the Anointing.

+ Divine Liturgy for Nativity: Thursday at 9:00am. Our “Nativity Festivity” will be held during the festive meal following the service.

+ There is no fasting from Nativity until the Eve of Theophany (January 18). We chant the Troparion and Kontakion of the Nativity at our morning and evening prayers, and sing the Troparion before meals.

+ 2010 Wall Calendars are still available.

+ Please remember in your prayers those traveling: Marcus Bursik, Galina Bahanovich and Peter Krasnov.

If you are visiting today:

+ There are service books underneath the candle stand that you may borrow and follow along in. If you get lost, ask your neighbor to help you find the page.

+ As you can see, we stand for most of the service. If you are not accustomed to this, please feel free to sit if you feel the need. No one will mind! You should still stand during the Scripture readings and when the priest comes through.

+ In the Orthodox tradition, women cover their heads in church, and extra scarves can be borrowed from the candle stand at the entrance.

+ You will see people making the sign of the cross and bowing. Feel free to follow suit or not, however you are comfortable. Again, no one will mind either way.

+ Feel free to venerate (kiss) the icons and purchase a candle to light. Commemoration slips for Orthodox, living and reposed may be placed on the tray by the candle stand. Please write down how many prosphora you would like (suggested donation: $1/ea.)

+ At the end of the service, you may come forward to venerate the hand-cross if you wish.

+ At our parish we do not pass a collection plate. Gifts are voluntary and can be left at the candle stand.

+ Anyone who wishes to receive Holy Communion must be an Orthodox Christian and make their Confession beforehand. Please speak with Fr. Peter for more information.

Confessions are heard at every evening service.