The feast of the Nativity is less than two weeks away. These last two weeks have always been a time to intensify our fasting and preparation. There are a few reminders I would like to share with you all.
On Tuesday evening at 7pm we will celebrate the Emmanuel Moleben (prayer service) in preparation for the Nativity.
The sign up sheets for Holy Supper (Christmas Eve at 5pm) is in the back of Church and in the Hall. Please sign up (or let me know by email) if you will be participating so that we may have a head count for the foods. We need to know number attending (adults and children) and if you are bringing a side / salad / dessert / beverage.
On Saturday, Dec. 18 at 1pm we will host our Byzantine Posadas, which is a beautiful way of telling the story of the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. Although primarily for children, it is also great fun for adults and we will have a real donkey!!! Yes, I am particularly excited about the donkey! The flier is attached below. Please share it. It will be followed by a social with Mexican sweets and hot cocoa and hot cider and the breaking of the piñata!
The BASILIAD: we are collecting items for care bags for the homeless that we will assemble on Sunday, Dec. 19 after the Divine Liturgy. Information about what we need can be found here. We are also collecting non-perishables for our local food pantry. Remember that in this time of celebration and abundance, there are many who do not have even the basics. "Whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for Me."
In the Liturgical Schedule there are a few items I would like to mention:
The Liturgy on Christmas morning is at 9am and we ask those who will come to please mask and distance. This Liturgy is primarily for our parishioners who are at high risk. The Melkite Liturgy will be served at 11am on Christmas.
The time for the Chaldean Liturgy has been corrected to 2pm on Christmas.
On Saturday, Dec. 18 and Sunday, Dec. 19, at the conclusion of the Liturgy we will bless straw for you to take home and place in your nativity scenes, icon corners or on your tables, as a reminder of the humble beginnings of the mystery of God with Us.
May God bless your preparation for the feast of His birth.