Celebrating St. Nicholas Day

Celebrating St. Nicholas Day

Here is a look at how Eastern Christians celebrate St. Nicholas Day: In Greece, the Greeks will display the Icon of St. Nicholas Prominently in their home the Nativity Lent as a reminder to give alms in emulation of this great Saint, The mother of the home after...
Who is St. Nicholas?

Who is St. Nicholas?

  The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara. At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in...
Jesus is the Reason for the Christmas Season

Jesus is the Reason for the Christmas Season

The Christmas season is rife with commercialism. Ads urge us to buy expensive gifts, radios blare out songs about reindeer and movies feature a jolly fat fellow who lives in the North Pole. Social gatherings, with much carousing and merry-making, abound....
Prepare for Christmas by fasting, not feasting

Prepare for Christmas by fasting, not feasting

It is common knowledge that we observe Lent before Easter; but did you know that there is also a Nativity Fast before Christmas called Pylypivka or Philip’s Fast? It always begins the day after the Feast of St. Philip (Nov. 15/28) and lasts through Christmas Eve. The...
A Survival Guide to Great Vespers

A Survival Guide to Great Vespers

Source: St. Elias Parish Vespers is held on Saturday evening every week (7:00 p.m.). On the eve of major Feast Days, Great Vespers (or Vigil) is also served. Sunset marks the beginning of the next day in the Church calendar (following Jewish Tradition). Hence Saturday...