Sunday Before the Nativity of Our Lord & Savior

 

 

December 22, 2002

Father Antonio reads the Gospel for the Sunday before the Nativity of Our Lord.

Dr. Klentos was formerly an Instructor at Holy Cross Seminary (Greek Orthodox) in Brookline, Massachusetts. He is very involved with the Orthodox Campus Ministries and shared with us also about this wonderful nationwide Pan-Orthodox outreach work.

Guest Homilist, Dr. John Klentos, Jr., shares an inspired sermon on the Gospel reading for that Sunday.

St. George's Parishioners, John Klentos, Sr. and Lily Klentos, with their visiting son, Dr. John Klentos, Jr.

Tuesday Evening, December 24th, 2002

Vigil for the Nativity of Our Lord & Savior

(Christmas Eve)

The Church is prepared and its entryways illumined by New Mexican-style paper-bag, sand & candle filled "Luminarios" - the "little lights" which in the Southwest traditionally symbolize the light of the coming of Christ.

Parishioners begin to arrive and prepare for the Eve of the Nativity Services.

Bells Ring to announce the beginning of the Vigil Services

Reader Spyridon begins the service with the reading of Psalms.

"God is With Us, Understand All Ye Nations, and Submit Yourselves!" Father Antonio censes the Gospel, which symbolizes this reality. 

Father reads the Holy Gospel accounts of the Birth of Christ our Lord.

Father censes around the Gospel three times, representing the Holy Trinity.

Acolyte Jose and Jaime assist Father with the prayers at the beginning of the Litya Service during the Vigil on the Eve of the Nativity.

The Litya Prayers, blessing the 5 loaves, the wheat, wine and oil, and commemorating the "cloud of witnesses" to Christ our Lord, are said after Great Vespers and prior to the matins portions of the Vigil Service.

Go to Nativity Season

 

Go to Parish Life

Candlelight and prayers, on this blessed and Holy Night, as we return to our homes . . .

Clergy, Parishioners, and Guests pray together on this Holy Night.