Fireplace Of Hope: + CHRISTMAS AT OUR BROTHERS

On December 25, when we celebrate Christmas, our Orthodox brothers are still fasting. Yes, they are fasting – it is not a mistake. The faithful ones of the Orthodox Church are preparing to meet the Incarnate Son of God by the forty-days fast beginning on November 14, on the day dedicated to the Apostle Saint Philip, hence it is called “Philipian” fast. Beginning with the feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (on December 4 according to the Julian calendar) in the Orthodox church there is the singing of “Христос рождается-славите!” which brings everyone into the mood of the upcoming celebration.

On the night of 6 to 7 January, the beautiful liturgy of Christmas is celebrated. During the liturgy the Prokimen is sang: May the whole earth give homage to you and sing; may it sing to your Name, O Highest One. The Gospel that night recounts the adoration of the Three Wise Men. On the second day, the most Holy Virgin Mary is venerated. On the third day, the first martyr, St. Stephen, who gave his life for Christ, is remembered.

In Orthodox churches, there is no Crib but an Icon of Christ's birth instead. The contemplation of the Christmas icon helps the faithful to read the theological message of Christmas. An icon for Orthodox Christians is more than a picture. It tells the whole story of the event. Therefore, at the time of Christmas, the icon is displayed in the middle of the church for all to pray with.

And we are lucky to celebrate Christmas twice a year. Uniting with our Orthodox brothers, we participate in the night Liturgy. This year, we went to the nearest Orthodox Church of св. Александра Невского. Just go down the stairs and you are already there. Unfortunately, we did not make it to the end, after nearly 3 hours, we returned home. This time we could not make it physically, though we had sincere desire to do so.