THIS MONTH AT CHRIST THE SAVIOUR

December 2009

We have now entered the Fast of St. Philip and, during this entire month, are preparing ourselves spiritually for the Feast of the Nativity of Our Saviour after the Flesh (Christmas), which is observed by our parish on January 7. 

The Church celebrates the Feast of the Entry of the Theotokos into the Temple on Friday, December 4.  (Services to be announced – check the December Services/Events page.)  This feast commemorates the presentation by the righteous Joachim and Anna of their three-year-old daughter, the Virgin Mary, into the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, where she then lived as a temple virgin until her betrothal to St. Joseph.  At the temple, the Virgin Mary was received into the Holy of Holies, foreshadowing her own transformation into the holy temple of the Divine Child Who would be born of her. 

The youth group will meet on Friday, December 11 at Holy Trinity Hall.  Join them for fun, fellowship, and learning!

On Sunday, December 20, the parish will hold its annual St. Nicholas Dinner and Variety Concert following the Divine Liturgy.  “St. Nicholas” will make an appearance and bring gifts to the children (parents, please give him a hand by preparing a little something for each of your children in advance!).  Musicians and other performers who would like to share their talents at the concert should contact Matushka Yvonne as soon as possible.  Admission to the dinner/concert is payable at the door and is $15 for adults, $10 for students (high school and post-secondary), free for children, and pay-what-you-can for those in financial need.  Proceeds will go to new lighting for the church hall.

On Sunday, December 27, we observe the Sunday of the Holy Forefathers.  On this second Sunday before Nativity, we remember all the Holy Ancestors and Prophets of the Old Testament.

Please note that there will be a reduced schedule of services and activities in the latter part of the month.  The last Tuesday Noon Prayer of the month will be on December 15; the final Wednesday evening service (Vespers or Akathist) will take place December 16; there will be no Sunday School on December 27 or January 3.  Check the January Services/Events page to find out when these activities resume.

We warmly welcome all visitors!