CHRISTMAS / Rizdvo & THeophany2022/23

Dear Friends + Family

We look forward to a joyous celebration of The Nativity of Christ. Below is the schedule of services. Tell your friends and neighbours. All are welcome!

З нетерпінням чекаємо радісного свята Різдва Христового.Розклад Богослужіння  наведено нижче,  А для новоприбулих з України, які сумують за своїми сім’ями – приєднуйтесь до нас. Колядки, молитви та святкування ви почуватиметеся як вдома. Ласкаво просимо всіх!

*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.