Tag Archives: Christmas

Theophany: Transition to the Fullness of God

When Thou, O Lord, wast baptized in the Jordan, the worship of the Trinity was made manifest; for the voice of the Father didst bear witness unto Thee, calling Thee His beloved Son. And the Spirit, in the form of a dove, didst confirm the truthfulness of His word. O Christ our God Who hastContinue reading “Theophany: Transition to the Fullness of God”

Christmas: Lessons from the Nativity Fast

CHRIST IS BORN! GLORIFY HIM! CHRIST HAS COME FROM HEAVEN! RECEIVE HIM! CHRIST IS ON EARTH! BE YE EXALTED! Nativity of the Lord Jesus from St. Catherine’s Monastery in Egypt The tradition in Orthodoxy is to spend the 40 days before Christmas fasting from meats and dairy products, with fish, wine, and olive oil permittedContinue reading “Christmas: Lessons from the Nativity Fast”

Christmas: The Continuum of Christ

CHRIST IS BORN, GLORIFY HIM! CHRIST HAS COME FROM HEAVEN, RECEIVE HIM! CHRIST IS ON EARTH, BE YE EXALTED! Undoubtedly, this is the most festive and joyous holiday on the calendar. Some of us started decorating and shopping as early as the day after Halloween. And what a variety of things we have to celebrateContinue reading “Christmas: The Continuum of Christ”

Nativity Fast (Advent): The Challenge of Self-Examination

One of the Desert Fathers and a few of his disciples went to Alexandria to speak with the Patriarch. Along the way, they walked past an actress bargaining for a fancy outfit. Seeing her, the great monk started to cry. “Abba, why are you weeping,” asked his disciples. “Because she may be more devoted toContinue reading “Nativity Fast (Advent): The Challenge of Self-Examination”

Nativity Fast (Advent): Decorating the Soul

It’s not uncommon to see Christmas paraphernalia for sale as early as late September. With the recent scares in the economy and national supply chain issues, we are being advised to begin shopping early for electronic and other specific gifts as they may not be available during the regular holiday buying period. I haven’t seenContinue reading “Nativity Fast (Advent): Decorating the Soul”