CHRISTMAS / Rizdvo & THeophany2021

DEAr Parishioners and Friends

Another Christmas Feast- one that we will never forget. May the rich Liturgical services, and domestic customs sustain us during this time. The services of the Feasts of The Nativity and Theophany are listed below. Do not forget about them. After two years, you may have gotten out of practice. And this year… a special request. Check in on your (home) parish clergy, singers, staff and volunteers. They have been working tirelessly to maintain their parishes for the last 22 months. PLEASE support them with a phone call, e-mail, note or better yet (whenever possible) attendance at services available to you. Your enthusiasm and support will help them get through the latest (and hopefully last) set of pandemic circumstances.

Things to know:

  • Attendance in Church is limited to 50%. There is usually enough room but capacity will be monitored.

  • Stay home if you are ill or required to self isolate.

  • If you are concerned about groups, consider attending the lesser known services like Royal Hours and Matins.

  • Masks are mandatory in all indoor settings in our region.

  • If you have special concerns, circumstances or a medical exemption. In light of the current situation you must call the office ahead of time so that you can be aware of options and policy. We ask for your kindness and understanding.

  • When possible services will be streamed live on youtube

    Please see download the calendar (or scroll down) so you know the schedule of services. Follow your usual routine

  • Confessions are available by appointment. Please call Fr. Roman to make arrangements.

CAROL WITH FATHER ROMAN

all your favourites

KOLYADA WITH MY CHILDREN

SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

*Сім'я та друзі, які святкують Різдво 7 січня, запрошуються відвідати служби в наших місцевих парафіях в GTA або приєднатися до нас 24-25-26 грудня i в будь-який час через Святa для служб I колядок . Family and Friends in the GTA celebrating the Nativity on January 7th If work or life prevents you from attending Christmas services on January 6/7, fulfill your obligations at Saint Elias on December 24/25th or any time over the Holy Days for services and carols.

Fasting On CHristmas Eve A Lesson

(available on the parish calendar):

ON THE EVE OF THE NATIVITY (Dec. 24th) we keep a strict fast in the following way: No food is eaten before the Vesperal Liturgy (3 PM), those un- able to attend this service are obligated to keep the fast in solidarity until nightfall. From of old there is a pious custom on Christmas Eve of not eating anything until the appearance of stars. Church books instruct that after theVesperalLiturgy“The faithful prepare a meal cooked with oil. Fish is not eaten, but we drink wine, giving thanks to God.”According to Ukrainian custom, it is accepted to prepare a more lavish meal without meat or dairy products, and to eat abundantly [In some places fish is also eaten]. Besides the kutya (boiled wheat and poppy seeds in honey), a decortion of stewed fruit is prepared with dried plums, pears, cherries, apples and other fruit. These dishes express symbolically the birth (the decoction is usually prepared in times of childbirth), and death of the Saviour (the kutya is cooked for funerals and services for the dead). Though wine is allowed with dinner, it is proper to drink modestly, not being weighed down before returning to church for Great Compline (8PM). -i.r.g.