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Advent and Christmas in the Archdiocese |
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O Come, O Come, Emmanuel |
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The word “advent” comes from the Latin word “adventus” which means coming. The season of Advent, therefore, is the preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, first through the Incarnation, and ultimately His coming again in glory at the end of time.
In the Orthodox Church, Advent runs from November 15/28 to December 24/January 6. This period is also known as the Nativity Fast, a strict period of fasting which lasts the entire forty days of Advent. The Nativity Fast helps us prepare for a more worthy celebration of the birth of Christ and we should enter into this season of joyful expectation and preparation for the coming of the Messiah with hearts, minds and bodies pure and cleansed of all defilement of flesh and spirit.
During the forty day period of Advent, we are invited to reflect on the wondrous mystery of Jesus’ birth as well as look with joy and hope to His return. We are called to repent of our sins, pray and draw ourselves closer to God.
The Christmas season begins on December 25/January 7 and runs through the Feast of the Theophany (Epiphany) on January 6/19. The word “Christmas” comes from the Middle English “Christemasse,” which literally means “Christ’s Mass.”
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Resources and Links |
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The following offer many ways to help you get the most out of the Advent and Christmas seasons. |
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Advent |
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· Advent FAQs · Advent Bible Studies · Advent Prayers · Advent Q&A · Advent History and Symbolism · Advent Wreath Þ Blessing of the Wreath Þ How to Make Your Own Þ Meaning and Symbolism · Celebrating Advent with Children · Day-to-Day Advent Reflections · “The Blessings of Advent - Gifts in Anticipation of the Birth of Christ” · The Jesse Tree - Incorporating an Overlooked Tradition · O Antiphons - Hymnography from the Western Orthodox tradition. · Praying Advent · Send an Advent ECard.
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Christmas |
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· Christmas FAQs · Christmas Bible Studies · Christmas Prayers · Christmas Q&A · Christmas History and Symbolism · Sicilian and Italian Christmas traditions · Blessing of a Christmas Tree · Christmas Movies · Christmas Recipes · Christmas Story · The Twelve Days of Christmas · Epiphany Origin and History Þ Blessing of Homes · “How to Celebrate Christmas as an Orthodox Christian” · Lessons and Carols · Nativity Scene - The Precipio/Creche Þ Blessing of the Precipio/Creche · St. Nicholas
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Both Seasons |
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· Volunteer your time, talent and treasure:
Þ In your parish, mission or fellowship Þ Send cards to or visit patients in the hospital Þ Send cards or cookies to inmates at a county correctional facility or jail Þ Send cards or cookies to or visit the elderly at your local nursing home or retirement center Þ Volunteer at a social service agency such as hospice, meals-on-wheels, etc. Þ Support the Archdiocese’s Guardian Angels campaign. Þ Give to the Metropolitan’s Annual Appeal Þ Give to the Archbishop Gennadios Seminarian Fund Þ Give to the Special Collections during Advent and Christmas Þ See other volunteer opportunities |