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Forefeast of the Nativity of our Lord
Father's Day/Očevi Dan
| | Христос међу нама! Christ is in our midst! Cristo esta entra nosotros! | | |
Homily on the Sunday before Nativity
Father Philip LeMasters
In the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
As we conclude our preparation to welcome Christ at His Nativity, we must resist the temptation to corrupt this blessed season into merely a celebration of this world on its own terms. At Christmas we celebrate nothing less than the God-Man’s full personal entrance into our life and world, becoming truly one of us even as He remains truly divine in order to make us “partakers of the divine nature” by grace. He was born to bring the entire creation into the eternal joy of His Kingdom, which stands in prophetic judgment over all that mars the beauty of the souls of His living icons.
Christ is born to fulfill the ancient promises to Abraham, who “looked forward to the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” The many generations of preparation for the Savior’s birth did not occur through the unbroken progress of any earthly kingdom, culture, or family, but through a history characterized by the deep brokenness and disappointment that are our common lot in this world of corruption. The prophet Samuel was the last of the judges of Israel over a thousand years before Christ was born. When his sons ruled unjustly, the people asked for a king so that they could be like the other nations. God told Samuel, “Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them.” (1 Sam. 8:7)
We do not have to know much about the Old Testament to know that wanting to be like the other nations is the exact opposite of what God intended for His people. Their kings abused their authority like the rich and powerful of any period with David, the greatest of them, infamously taking Bathsheeba, the wife of his soldier Uriah, and then having him killed. Far from hiding these horrific events, Matthew highlights them, for he writes in the genealogy that “David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah.” He could not have made the point about David’s sin any clearer than that.
Even David’s son the wise Solomon later fell into the worship of false gods. Because of Israel’s ongoing unfaithfulness, the kingdom divided into two, with both eventually going into exile after being defeated at the hands of their enemies. Those who returned from Babylon were then dispersed yet again by the Romans, under whose authority the Lord was crucified. If we are truly entrusting ourselves to Christ, Who rejected the temptation to set up an earthly kingdom, we must follow the example of Abraham, who “looked forward to the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” “For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.” (Heb. 13:14) We must not place our ultimate allegiance and hope in any arrangement of the powers of the world or allow any earthly affiliation to blind us to welcome Christ in every needy neighbor and stranger, especially those we are inclined to reject as enemies.
The shock of exile from the Promised Land for the Hebrews was so profound that Matthew describes the Lord’s genealogy accordingly: “So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ were fourteen generations.” The prophet Daniel and the three holy youths Ananias, Azarias and Misael all went into captivity in Babylon, where they refused to worship other gods and were miraculously delivered from death, respectively, in the lions’ den and the fiery furnace. Christ, before His Incarnation, was with the youths in the flames. Being unconsumed by the fire, they also provided an image of the Theotokos, who contained the Son of God within her womb without being consumed by the divine glory.
It was not by worshiping their ancestral homeland or doing whatever it took to gain earthly power that these and other prophets foreshadowed and foretold the coming of Christ. No, they steadfastly entrusted themselves to God, regardless of the cost. Far from making self-serving political calculations or seeking their own vengeance, they refused to abandon hope in God and to worship idols, even when their refusal seemed certain to lead to their deaths. Consequently, they are among those who “suffered mocking and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, ill-treated—of whom the world was not worthy—wandering over deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.” They remained faithful as they lived in expectation, despite their displacement and disappointment, of the fulfillment of a promise that would not come in their lifetimes and transcended all conventional boundaries, “since God had foreseen something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.”
No one forces us to choose today between idolatry and faithfulness, but we so often freely worship false gods when we ground the meaning and purpose of our lives in some vision of cultural success or personal fulfillment that inflames our passions and blinds us to the humanity of those who seem to stand in our way. Even without being taken away into exile, we often hope for nothing more than a more comfortable life in Babylon, however we may envision that. We face the same temptations that our Lord’s ancestors did, and we regularly fall into some version of the sins they committed. In addition to recalling David’s grave sins, Matthew lists Judah, who fathered children with his daughter-in-law Tamar. He also mentions Rahab, a Canaanite prostitute, and Ruth, a Moabite. The Old Testament warns Jewish men against marrying Gentile women many times, but here are their names in the family tree of the Savior. Their presence in the genealogy foreshadows the scandalous, but also completely innocent, conception of the Lord by the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary. By including their names among the ancestors of Christ, Matthew reminds us that He is born to bring healing to all the broken, scandalous people of the world as we know it, not only to those who appear respectable or who are members of this or that favored group. That is certainly good news for us as strangers and foreigners who have been grafted into the olive tree of the Hebrews by faith in Christ Jesus. (Rom. 11: 17-18)
When the Son of God became a human person, He did not do so by birth into a family of wealth, power, or fame. There was certainly no sin involved in the virginal conception of our Lord, but the circumstances were hardly conventional. Joseph, the older man to whom the Theotokos was betrothed as her guardian, would have divorced her quietly, had not an angel told him the truth about the situation in a dream. Living under the brutal military occupation of the Roman Empire, they had to go to Bethlehem for a census at the time of His birth, where He came into the world in the lowly circumstance of being born in a cave used for a barn with an animals’ feeding trough as His crib.
Despite the temptation throughout Christ’s ministry to overthrow the Romans by force and set up an earthly reign as a new King David, He refused to be distracted from His vocation to conquer death itself, which required that He submit to execution on a Roman cross and wear a crown of thorns, being mocked as the failed king of the Jews. Though the false hopes of His disciples had been crushed and He appeared to fail by all conventional standards, the Savior rose in victory on the third day. His disciples then learned to hope anew for the fulfillment of God’s promises in ways that required a complete change of mind and heart, for they took up their crosses as they learned to serve a kingdom not of this world. Like those who had foretold the coming of the Messiah across the centuries, they repudiated the idolatry of serving themselves or any earthly agenda as they came to hope only in the Lord.
In order to welcome Christ at His Nativity, we must fulfill our calling to hope in nothing other than the God-Man Who is born to heal and fulfill all who bear the divine image and likeness. His human lineage shows that He came for people as conflicted, confused, and compromised as we are. Many of His ancestors wanted to be like the other nations and endured exile in foreign lands as a result. We exile ourselves from the everlasting joy of His Kingdom whenever we put devotion to any worldly goal before obedience to Him. We exile ourselves from His blessed reign whenever we view or treat anyone as a foreigner or stranger who is excluded from the same divine mercy that we ask for ourselves. Like Daniel and the three holy youths, it is time for us to refuse to worship false gods of any kind and to trust that the Savior is with us and with all who endure the lions’ dens and fiery furnaces of life in a world still enslaved to the fear of death. Having been prepared by prayer, fasting, generosity, confession, and repentance, let us receive the God-Man born for our salvation at Christmas, for He alone is our hope and the hope of the entire world. His family tree shows that He came to save us all.
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Commemorating the Forefeast of the Nativity of our Lord, Great Martyr Anastasia the Deliverer from Poisons, her teacher Martyr Chrysogonos and many with them
RESURRECTION TROPARION—TONE 5
Let us, the faithful, praise and worship the Word, co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit, born for our salvation from the Virgin; for He willed to be lifted up on the Cross in the flesh, to endure death, and to raise the dead by His glorious Resurrection.
HOLY FATHERS TROPARION—TONE 2
Great are the accomplishments of faith, for the three Holy Youths rejoice in the fountain of flames as though in the waters of rest; and the Prophet Daniel appeared a shepherd to the lions as though they were sheep. So by their prayers, O Christ God, save our souls!
FOREFEAST TROPARION—TONE 4
Prepare, O Bethlehem, for Eden has been opened to all! Adorn yourself, O Ephratha, for the Tree of Life blossoms forth from the Virgin in the cave! Her womb is a spiritual paradise planted with the Divine Fruit; if we eat of it, we shall live forever and not die like Adam. Christ comes to restore the image which He made in the beginning.
HOLY FATHERS KONTAKION—TONE 1
Rejoice, O Bethlehem! Prepare yourself, O Ephratha! The Lamb is on her way to give birth to the Chief Shepherd she carries in her womb. The God-bearing forefathers will rejoice, beholding Him, and with the shepherds, they will glorify the Virgin nursing Him.
FOREFEAST KONTAKION—TONE 3
Today the Virgin comes to the cave to give birth to the Eternal Word. Hear the glad tidings and rejoice, O universe! Glorify with the Angels and the shepherds the Eternal God, Who is willing to appear as a little child!
| | ~Scripture Readings of the Day~ | | |
READERS:
This Week: Matins: Lenny Tepsich Epistle: Marko Rocknage
Nativity: Milan Radanovic Epistle: Stefan Gligorevic
Next Week: Matins: Nick Ressetar Epistle: Zach Bare
EPISTLE: Hebrews 11:9-10, 17-23, 32-40
DEACON: Let us pay attention.
PRIEST: Peace be unto all!
READER: And with your spirit!
DEACON: Wisdom.
READER: The Prokeimenon in the Fourth Tone: Blessed are You, O Lord God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is Your name forever!
CHOIR: Blessed are You, O Lord God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is Your name forever!
READER: v: For You are just in all that You have done for us!
CHOIR: Blessed are You, O Lord God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is Your name forever!
READER: Blessed are You, O Lord God of our fathers...
CHOIR: ...and praised and glorified is Your name forever!
DEACON: Wisdom!
READER: The Reading is from the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to Hebrews.
DEACON: Let us attend!
READER: Brothers and Sisters, by faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. But You are the same, and Your years will not fail.” By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, “In Isaac your seed shall be called,” concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones. By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s command. And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented—of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.
PRIEST: Peace be unto you, reader!
READER: And with your spirit! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: We have heard with our ears, O God, for our fathers have told us.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: For You have saved us from them that oppose us, and have put to shame them that hate us.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
АПОСТОЛ: Јеврејима 11:9-10, 17-23, 32-40
Ђакон: Пазимо
Свештеник: Мир свима!
Читач: I Духу Твоме!
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач : ПРОКИМЕН- глас 4 Благословен си, Господе Боже отаца наших, и хвално и прослављено је име Твоје у вјекове.
Хор: Благословен си, Господе Боже отаца наших, и хвално и прослављено је име Твоје у вјекове.
Читач: Јер си праведан у свему што си учинио за нас.
Хор: Благословен си, Господе Боже отаца наших, и хвално и прослављено је име Твоје у вјекове.
Читач: Благословен си, Господе Боже отаца наших,
Хор: и хвално и прослављено је име Твоје у вјекове.
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач: Читање из посланице Св. Апостола Павла Јеврејима
Ђакон: Пазимо
Читач: Браћо, вјером се насели Аврам у земљи обећаној као у туђој, и у шаторима становаше са Исаком и Јаковом, сунасљедницима истога обећања. Јер очекиваше Град који има темеље, којему је неимар и творац Бог. Вјером принесе Аврам Исака када је кушан, и јединца приношаше онај који је примио обећања, коме бјеше казано: У Исаку ће ти се назвати сјеме, јер је разумио да је Бог кадар и из мртвих васкрсавати; зато га и доби као праслику. Вјером у оно што ће доћи благослови Исак Јакова и Исава. Вјером Јаков умирући благослови свакога сина Јосифова, и поклони се преко врха палице своје. Вјером Јосиф на самрти напомињаше о изласку синова Израиљевих, и заповједи за кости своје. Вјером су Мојсеја, пошто се роди, крили три мјесеца родитељи његови, јер видјеше да је дијете красно, и не побојаше се заповијести цареве. И шта још да кажем? Јер ми не би достало времена кад бих стао казивати о Гедеону, Вараку, Самсону, Јефтају, Давиду, Самуилу и о другим пророцима, који вјером побиједише царства, чинише правду, добише обећања, затворише уста лавовима, угасише силу огњену, утекоше од оштрица мача, од немоћних постадоше јаки, бијаху силни у рату, поразише војске туђинске; Неке жене примише своје мртве васкрсењем; други пак бијаху мукама уморени не приставши на избављење, да би добили боље васкрсење; а други искусише поруге и шибања, па још окове и тамнице; камењем побијени, престругани, измучени, од мача помријеше; потуцаше се у кожусима и козјим кожама у оскудици, у невољама, у патњама; они којих свијет не бијаше достојан, потуцаху се по пустињама и горама и по пештерама и по јамама земаљским. И сви ови, освједочени у вјери, не добише обећање; зато што је Бог нешто боље предвидјео за нас, да не би они без нас достигли савршенство.
Свештеник: Мир ти читачу!
Читач: I Духом Твоме! Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Боже, својим ушима слушасмо, оци наши проповједаше дјела која си учинио у њихово вријеме, у старо вријеме.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Избавио си нас од непријатеља наших и ненавиднике наше посрамио
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
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LITURGY GOSPEL: Matthew 1:1-25
The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham: Abraham begot Isaac, Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot Judah and his brothers. Judah begot Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez begot Hezron, and Hezron begot Ram. Ram begot Amminadab, Amminadab begot Nahshon, and Nahshon begot Salmon. Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab, Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse, and Jesse begot David the king. David the king begot Solomon by her who had been the wife of Uriah. Solomon begot Rehoboam, Rehoboam begot Abijah, and Abijah begot Asa. Asa begot Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat begot Joram, and Joram begot Uzziah. Uzziah begot Jotham, Jotham begot Ahaz, and Ahaz begot Hezekiah. Hezekiah begot Manasseh, Manasseh begot Amon, and Amon begot Josiah. Josiah begot Jeconiah and his brothers about the time they were carried away to Babylon. And after they were brought to Babylon, Jeconiah begot Shealtiel, and Shealtiel begot Zerubbabel. Zerubbabel begot Abiud, Abiud begot Eliakim, and Eliakim begot Azor. Azor begot Zadok, Zadok begot Achim, and Achim begot Eliud. Eliud begot Eleazar, Eleazar begot Matthan, and Matthan begot Jacob. And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ. So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations, from David until the captivity in Babylon are fourteen generations, and from the captivity in Babylon until the Christ are fourteen generations. Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man,and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.
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ЈЕВАНЂЕЉЕ: Матеј 1:1-25
Родослов Исуса Христа, сина Давидова, Авраамова сина. Авраам роди Исака. А Исак роди Јакова. А Јаков роди Јуду и браћу његову. А Јуда роди Фареса и Зару с Тамаром. А Фарес роди Есрома. А Есром роди Арама. А Арам роди Аминадава. А Аминадав роди Наасона. А Наасон роди Салмона. А Салмон роди Вооза с Рахавом. А Вооз роди Овида с Рутом. А Овид роди Јесеја. А Јесеј роди Давида цара. А Давид цар роди Соломона са Уријиницом. А Соломон роди Ровоама. А Ровоам роди Авију. А Авија роди Асу. А Аса роди Јосафата. А Јосафат роди Јорама. А Јорам роди Озију. А Озија роди Јоатама. А Јоатам роди Ахаза. А Ахаз роди Језекију. А Језекија роди Манасију. А Манасија роди Амона. А Амон роди Јосију. А Јосија роди Јехонију и браћу његову, у сеоби вавилонској. А по сеоби вавилонској, Јехонија роди Салатила. А Салатил роди Зоровавеља. А Зоровавељ роди Авиуда. А Авиуд роди Елиакима. А Елиаким роди Азора. А Азор роди Садока. А Садок роди Ахима. А Ахим роди Елиуда. А Елиуд роди Елеазара. А Елеазар роди Матана. А Матан роди Јакова. А Јаков роди Јосифа, мужа Марије, од које се роди Исус звани Христос. Свега, дакле, кољена од Авраама до Давида, кољена четрнаест, а од Давида до сеобе вавилонске кољена четрнаест, и од сеобе вавилонске до Христа, кољена четрнаест. А рођење Исуса Христа овако би: Кад је мати његова Марија била обручена Јосифу, а прије него што се бјеху састали, нађе се да је затруднила од Духа Светога. А Јосиф муж њезин, будући праведан и не хотећи је јавно изобличити, намисли је тајно отпустити. Но кад он тако помисли, гле, јави му се у сну анђео Господњи говорећи: Јосифе, сине Давидов, не бој се узети Марију жену своју; јер оно што се у њој зачело од Духа јe Светога. Па ће родити сина, и надјени му име Исус: јер ће он спасти народ свој од гријеха њихових. А све се ово догодило да се испуни што је Господ казао преко пророка који говори: Ето, дјевојка ће зачети, и родиће сина, и надјенуће му име Емануил, што ће рећи: С нама Бог. Уставши Јосиф од сна, учини како му заповједи анђео Господњи и узе жену своју. И не знадијаше за њу док не роди сина својега првенца, и надјену му име Исус.
| | ~ Readings During the Nativity Liturgy ~ | |
Special Hymns
First Antiphon
Verse: I will give thanks to You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will make all Your wonders known. In the company of the upright, in the congregation, great are the works of the Lord.
Refrain: Molitvami Bogorodici, Spase, spasi nas!
Verse: They are sought out according to His will. Full of honor and majesty is His work, and His righteousness endures forever.
Refrain: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Savior, save us!
Verse: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Refrain: Molitvami Bogorodici, Spase, spasi nas!
Second Antiphon
Verse: Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in His commandments. His descendants will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.
Refrain: Spasi ni, Sine Boži, roždjesja ot Djevi, pojuščija Ti: Aliluja!
Verse: Glory and wealth are in His house, and His righteousness endures forever.
Refrain: Save us, O Son of God, born of the Virgin, who sing unto Thee: Alleluia!
Verse: Light rises in the darkness for the upright; the Lord is merciful, compassionate and righteous.
Refrain: Spasi ni, Sine Boži, roždjesja ot Djevi, pojuščija Ti: Aliluja!
Verse: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Choir: Jedinorodni Sine…
Third Antiphon
Verse: The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make Your enemies Your footstool!”
NATIVITY TROPARION - TONE 4
Roždestvo tvoje Hriste Bože naš, vozsija mirovi svjet razuma: v nem bo zvjezdam služaščiji zvezdoju učahusja, Tebje klanjatisja solncu pravdi, i Tebje vjedjeti s visoti vostoka, Gospodi slava Tebje.
Verse: The Lord shall send You the scepter of power from Zion: “Rule in the midst of Your enemies!”
NATIVITY TROPARION - TONE 4
Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, has shown to the world the Light of Wisdom! For by it those who worshipped the stars were taught by a Star to adore Thee, the Sun of Righteousness, and to know Thee, the Orient from on High. O Lord, Glory to Thee!
Verse: Authority shall be with You on the day of Your power, in the splendor of Your saints.
NATIVITY TROPARION - TONE 4
Roždestvo tvoje Hriste Bože naš, vozsija mirovi svjet razuma: v nem bo zvjezdam služaščiji zvezdoju učahusja, Tebje klanjatisja solncu pravdi, i Tebje vjedjeti s visoti vostoka, Gospodi slava Tebje.
Entrance Verse instead of “Pridite…”
“Out of the womb before the morning star have I begotten You.” The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind: “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”
Из материце пре Јутарње звезде ја сам те родио; Господ се заклео и неће променити Његов ум. Ти си свештеник заувек, по наређењу Мелкизадек
NATIVITY TROPARION - TONE 4
Roždestvo tvoje Hriste Bože naš, vozsija mirovi svjet razuma: v nem bo zvjezdam služaščiji zvezdoju učahusja, Tebje klanjatisja solncu pravdi, i Tebje vjedjeti s visoti vostoka, Gospodi slava Tebje.
NATIVITY KONTAKION - TONE 3
Today the Virgin gives birth to the Transcendent One, and the earth offers a cave to the Unapproachable One! Angels, with shepherds, glorify Him! The wise men journey with the star! Since for our sake the eternal God was born as a little child.
Instead of the Trisagion:
As many as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ. Alleluia!
Jelici vo Hrista krstitesja, vo Hrista obljekostesja. Aliluja!
HYMN TO THE MOTHER OF GOD—Tone 1
Magnify, O my soul, the Most-Pure Virgin Theotokos, more honorable and more glorious than the heavenly hosts.
I behold a strange, most glorious mystery: Heaven—the cave; the Cherubic Throne—The Virgin; the manger—the place where Christ lay—the Uncontainable God, Whom we magnify in song!
| ~ Holy Scriptures during the Nativity Liturgy ~ | |
EPISTLE: Galatians 4:4-7
DEACON: Let us pay attention.
PRIEST: Peace be unto all!
READER: And with your spirit!
DEACON: Wisdom.
READER: The Prokeimenon in the Eighth Tone: Let all the earth worship You and praise You! Let it praise Your Name, O Most High!
CHOIR: Let all the earth worship You and praise You! Let it praise Your Name, O Most High!
READER: v: Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth! Sing of His Name! Give glory to His praise!
CHOIR: Let all the earth worship You and praise You! Let it praise Your Name, O Most High!
READER: Let all the earth worship You and praise You!
CHOIR: Let it praise Your Name, O Most High!
DEACON: Wisdom!
READER: The Reading is from the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Galatians.
DEACON: Let us attend!
READER: Brothers and Sisters, when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ Jesus.
Брачо, a кад се наврши време, посла Бог Сина свог Јединородног, који је рођен од жене и покорен закону, да искупи оне који су под законом, да примимо посинаштво. И будући да сте синови, посла Бог Духа Сина свог у срца ваша, који виче: Ава, Оче! Тако већ ниси роб, него син; а ако си син, и наследник си Божји кроз Исуса Христа.
PRIEST: Peace be unto you, reader!
READER: And with your spirit! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: The heavens are telling the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims His handiwork.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declare knowledge.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
LITURGY GOSPEL: Matthew 2: 1-12
At that time, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’”
Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.” When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.
А кад се роди Исус у Витлејему јудејском, за времена цара Ирода, а то дођу мудраци с истока у Јерусалим, и кажу: Где је цар јудејски што се родио? Јер смо видели Његову звезду на истоку и дошли смо да Му се поклонимо. Кад то чује цар Ирод, уплаши се, и сав Јерусалим с њим. И сабравши све главаре свештеничке и књижевнике народне, питаше их: Где ће се родити Христос? А они му рекоше: У Витлејему јудејском; јер је тако пророк написао: И ти Витлејеме, земљо Јудина! Ни по чем ниси најмањи у држави Јудиној; јер ће из тебе изићи человођа који ће пасти народ мој Израиља. Онда Ирод тајно дозва мудраце, и испитиваше их кад се појавила звезда. И пославши их у Витлејем, рече: Идите и распитајте добро за дете, па кад га нађете, јавите ми, да и ја идем да му се поклоним.
И они саслушавши цара, пођоше: а то и звезда коју су видели на истоку, иђаше пред њима док не дође и стаде одозго где беше дете. А кад видеше звезду где је стала, обрадоваше се веома великом радости. И ушавши у кућу, видеше дете с Маријом матером Његовом, и падоше и поклонише Му се; па отворише даре своје и дариваше Га: златом, и тамјаном, и смирном. И примивши у сну заповест да се не враћају к Ироду, другим путем отидоше у своју земљу.
| ~ The Week Ahead: Scriptures and Services ~ | | |
~Prayers for the Faithful~
In Our Prayers
Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop Youhanna, Protinica Ljubica Jockovic, Protopresbyter Rodney Torbic, Protostavrofor Ilija Balach, Protostavrofor Joseph Fester, Archpriest Gabriel Rochelle, Protinica Ana Stepanov, Matushka Barbara Ealy, Matushka Theodora Ressetar, Khouria Patricia Moslener, Sister Anastasija, the child Katie Elizabeth and her parents Mileva and Michael Repasky, the children Genevieve and Louise Bare and their parents Zachary & Elizabeth, Mileva Repasky and the newborn Caroline Grace, Kyranna Baker and the child to be born of her, Michelle Adams, Samuel Atzeff, Lori Bare, Elijah Barnett, Christina Berchock, Dori Bert, Jonathan Bertsch, Stephan and Barbara Blitva, Carole & Nick Blitva, Tommy & Kara (Blitva) Dorsey, Voni Brown, Guiliana & Aleksandar Carricato, Maria Chigrintseva, Leann Cox, JoAnn Filepas, Anaya Garvin, Eric Garvin, Melanie Geib, Michael Geppert III, Dr Andrea Govelovich, Rdr. Nicholas & Teresa Govelovich, Kata Gruich, Travis Heilman, Kay Himes, Matthew Hoover, Nicole Stefan Imschweiler, Susan Jacobs, Slobodan Jovicic, Caryn Kiraly, Nadine Klipa, Christine Krnjaic, Dorothy Krnjaich, Dragica Kuzmanovic, Henry Laichak, Peter Lalic, Dragan Lalovic, Susan Leis, Jovan Lemajic, Elliott Mamula, Dianne & Jim Martin, Jean & Paul Martin, Rowan Martin, Jack McFall, George Milakovic, Slavka Miljevic, Marija Miljkovic, Rosanda Mitrovic, Diane & Slobodan Momic, Bosiljka Ninkovic, Lila Packer, Melanie Pavich, Mildred (Blitva) Pavich, Vid & Marica Pejcic, Kobe Petrovich, Duke & Sue Petrovich, Tracy Petrovich, Milena Pilipovic, Christopher Radanovic, Ioanna Radanovic, Chloe Ruff, Christina Sakmar, Steven Semic, Benjamin Shaffer, Tessa Shaffer, Milan Shumkaroff, Branko Smitran, Zorka Starcevich, Karen Stefan, Timothy Stefan, Michael Stepanovich, Stevan & Mary Stojic, Linda Szeerba, Leonard Tepsich, Leroy Tepsich Jr, Savka Trivun, Peter Velencia, Michael “Bo” Venesevich, Magdalen Vloutely, Rita Vorkapich, Kristina Vukalo, Paula Werner, Nicolette & Nikola Wiel, Tosh Yanich, Dewey Yetter, Elizabeth Yezdimir, Mila “Millie” Yezdimir, Marija Zabrodnaya,
Non Orthodox: Catherine Lewis, Bethany Peterson, Jensen Swartz, Addy Andy, Kevin Appleby, Doug Bert, Jason Brill, Susan & Jim Cibort, Victoria Cox, Barry Dean Jr, Christian Geib, George Gutshall, Dan Hazlett, Adam Herigan, Edith Herigan, Tony Kepp, Stephen Kerstetter, Keith & Kelly Kessler, Myong Sook Kim, Stella Wren Lappas, Richard Livingston, Margaret Livingston, Stephen Lundgren, Penny MacDonald, George Myers, Patty Navarro, Hope Pesner, Makaylie Peterson, Logan Roszkowski, Greg Selman, John Sheaffer, Maximilian Stelzer, Patricia & Joseph Sypniewski, Edith Venesevich, Michael Vishnesky, Traci Weaver, Jason Zeigler, Ashley Ziobrowski, Miriam “Mim” Codan Ziolkowski
Those Who Need Special Care
ECUMENICAL (COUNTRY MEADOWS) Jane Rush, HOMELAND: Draga Donato; MASONIC HOME: Ray Foltz; RS: Cedo Lukic
Those to be Baptized
Caleb Lewis, Barrett Scott, Maverick Peterson, Caroline Repasky, Trace Swartz
Our College Students
Sophia Adams, Cameron Barber, Kyle Barber, Dieter Geib, Gunner Geib, Kirsten Geib, Michael Geppert, Anastasija Gligorevic, Natalija Gligorevic, Matthew Hoover, Faith Kingsbury, Natasha Milanovich, Sophia Mummert, Christina Radanovic, Luis Antonio Radanovic, Aleksandra Šaran, Theodore Sukhernik, Madison Vorkapich, Anastasija Vukalo
Our Seminary Students
Elizabeth Bare
Our Dearly Departed Loved Ones
Vera Ressetar Bortniak, Eleana Silk, Maryann Seiders
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Please continue to pray for all of those currently being persecuted for Christ's sake in Kosovo, Metohija, Montenegro, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gaza, West Bank, Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Egypt, the Sudan, China, North Korea, for all of our brothers and sisters in Christ suffering throughout the world, especially in Ukraine and Russia, that they might be comforted with the Joy of our Lord, and for those who are unjustly persecuted that they may be strengthened by the love of Christ which knows no race. We also pray for the Orthodox clergy in Alaska, that the Lord might grant them more than enough to feed their families.
LET US PRAY TO THE LORD!
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Stewardship Offering Information
Date 12/28/2025
Collection: $3,345.00
Date 12/21/2025
Collection: $4,380.00
Date 12/14/2025
Collection: $5,094.00
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~Vigils Offered~
SARAH MILLETICS & SHELDON RODGERS Offered lovingly by their families on the joyous occasion of their recent engagement. May God grant you both all of life’s blessings, love’s joy and Many Years! Mnogaja Ljeta!
KRISTINA ZORA CARRICATO Offered in celebration of our Kristina’s birthday (Jan 3). May God bless you with many years in good health, happiness, and success and keep you safe in the city that you love. Mnogaja Ljeta! Offered with love by your mom, Babi and the entire family.
CHRIS KRNJAIC Offered in joyous celebration of her birthday (Jan 5). Given by the Gruich family. Mnogaja Ljeta! Many Years!
VONI GRUICH BROWN Offered in joyous celebration of her birthday (Jan 6). Given by Kat and family. Mnogaja Ljeta! Many Years!
JODY ATTY Offered in celebration of her birthday, January 7th. Many Years! With love from her husband Ferris ‘Jake’ Atty.
SONORA VIOLA MAE CRUZ Offered on the 2nd day of Christ’s Nativity and the Synaxis of the Theotokos, we give glory to God for the gift of Sonora who was baptized 15 years ago on the day we honor and glorify the Holy Theotokos. We pray for the health and well-being of Sonora, her family & Godparents Emily Yanich & Dr Danilo Yanich. Hristos se Rodi! Christ is Born!
BRANDON MUMMA Offered on Stefandan (Jan 9) as we celebrate the anniversary of his baptism and honor his Godparents, Joyce Matich & Tosh Yanich. Given with love by the family. Hristos se Rodi ! Christ is Born!
TOOTSIE KRNJAICH Offering vigils and prayers for our Kuma Tootsie. May God’s blessings be with her during her rehab period. From her Godchildren, Kat and families.
MICHAEL GEPPERT Offered prayerfully by Mom & Dad for improvement in health and God’s blessings and loving care during his recovery.
†BETTY GRUICH Offered in loving memory of her birthday (Jan 1). Given by her family. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†SIMO & †VERONICA KRNJAICH Offered for my parents on the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I pray for their peaceful repose and eternal life with our Lord. Hristos Se Rodi! With love in Christ, daughter Tootsie. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†ELIJA & †STANA KLIPA, †MARY KLIPA LALIC, †PATRICIA HERNJAK, †SAMUEL & †MILLIE KLIPA, †NICHOLAS & †HOPE KLIPA, †BASIL KLIPA, †PETER & †OLGA KLIPA, †STEVE & †STEFANIA KLIPA, †JANE KLIPA, †GUY & †MARY LALIC Offered by the Cashman, Hernjak and Lalic families as we celebrate the Nativity of our Lord, they are lovingly remembered. We miss and love you all. Our memories bring us much joy and peace. May God grant you happiness and life everlasting. Hristos se Rodi! Christ is Born!
†REPOSED STARCEVICH, VUJASINOVICH, DJACIC, SREMAC & KOTUR FAMILIES Offered as we celebrate the Birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (BOZIC). We lovingly remember and pray for our dear Milos (Mico), Milan (Braco) and all reposed members of our families, by Zorka and the whole family. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal! Hristos se Rodi! Christ is Born!
†RADE, †ANA, †MILAN, †EVELYN, †PETAR, †JELENA, †STEVO, †LUJBICA, †NIKOLA, †MILKA, †DRAGAN, †MARIJA, †DANILO, †DANICA, †ZARKO, †PETAR, †BRANKO, †DARINKA, †NEVENKA, †NIKOLA, †DAVID, †MICHAEL, & †LINDA Offered on the Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we cherish memories of our departed family members and pray the Christ Child shelters them tenderly in a place of brightness, verdure, peace and everlasting life. Given with love by the Yanich, Matich, Wenner, Mumma, Hook, Wolf & Cruz families. Hristos se Rodi! Christ is Born!
†MILE, †ANDJELIJA, & †PAVLE MRAOVIC Offered as we celebrate the Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we pray for the peaceful repose of our grandparents and uncle in a place of Everlasting Life. Given by Beba, Steph, Bobbi, Bill, Greg, Wendy, Brandon, Jazmin, Curran, Kaitlyn, Tim, Sonora, Ashtyn, Baylor, Endora and Bowen. Hristos se Rodi! Christ is Born!
†STEVO STEVE YANICH Offered on the feast day of Sveti Stefan we remember “Pop” on his birthday anniversary and name day. We cherish our memories of him and pray for his peaceful repose and everlasting life. Given with deep love and abiding respect by the family. Hristos se Rodi! Christ is Born!
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January Birthdays
Kristina Carricato (Jan 3), Brad Livingston (Jan 4), Betty Matovich (Jan 5), Chris Krnjaic (Jan 5), Voni Brown (Jan 6), Jody Atty (Jan 7), Fred Book (Jan 7), Ellen Long (Jan 8), Lauren Spangler (Jan 9), Jason Milletics (Jan 11), William Hernjak (Jan 12), JoAnn Filepas (Jan 13), Tracy Petrovich (Jan 13), Bill Wenner (Jan 15), Nicole Stefan Imschweiler (Jan 15), Christina Radanovic (Jan 15), Tatyana Reznitchenko (Jan 16), Sylvia Stefan (Jan 18), Nina Radanovic (Jan 19), Makrina Rocknage (Jan 19), Kristina Vukalo (Jan 20), Rita Vorkapich (Jan 22), Protinica Andreja (Jan 24), Kobe Petrovich (Jan 24), Andjelija Lojpur (Jan 27), Sophia Mummert (Jan 28), Jane Svitchan (Jan 29), Maxim Reznitchenko (Jan 29), Susan Vorkapich (Jan 30), Ashtyn Isadora Cruz (Jan 30)
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RECEIVING HOLY COMMUNION
This is a gentle reminder regarding preparing for and receiving the Holy Eucharist. As the Lord said, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, first be reconciled, then come to receive. We are called to be prepared and receive at each and every Liturgy.
PREPARATION AND THANKSGIVING PRAYERS
We are also called to pray the prayers in preparation for Holy Communion, and to stay and pray the prayers in thanksgiving for Holy Communion after Liturgy.
KEEPING THE FASTS
Whether we receive the Holy Mysteries or not, ALL Orthodox Christians are called to keep the fasts of the Church as best as they are able. This includes all Wednesdays and Fridays, as well as the special fast periods of the Church. Also, unless medically necessary and blessed by your father confessor, no eating or drinking from midnight until receiving Holy Communion.
KEEPING THE FEASTS
We should be in attendance for Great and Holy Week, Pascha, and all of the 12 Great Feasts of the Church. If we cannot make the liturgy, come for Vespers or Vigil the night before. If traveling, find the closest Orthodox Church and keep the feast there.
FREQUENCY OF HOLY CONFESSION
We are all called to “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is now”. We should take inventory of our souls regularly—at least on a monthly basis. Let the Lord lift the heavy burden of sin, for as He said, His yoke is easy, and His burden is light.
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CALLING ALL BAKERS!!
Please consider baking for the dessert table at our dance on January 10. Contact Nicole Petrovich at nicolepetrovich@yahoo.com or (717) 648-8061 (leave a message). Hvala!"
SISTERS/MOTHER’S CLUB PARTY CANCELLED
The Sisters/Mothers Club annual Christmas Party is cancelled due to lack of response.
SISTERS/MOTHER’S ELECTION OF OFFICERS
We will meet briefly right after church on January 11 for the election of 2026 officers.
LAST WEEK FOR DISCOUNT TAMBURITZAN TICKETS!
The Tamburitzans show is on Saturday, January 10th at 3pm. Tickets are $35 until January 9th, $40 at the door, and $30 for 55+, under 18, and with a valid student ID. Tickets may be purchased in the office, or by clicking on the following link: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/the-tamburitzans.
SUVO MESO DONATIONS FOR TAMBURITZAN DANCE
Please consider donating for the dance on January 10, 2026. So many of our members make the best smoked meat! Would you consider donating smoked meat/suvo meso for the event? If yes, please text, call, or email Stacy Milanovich at tacy1123@gmail.com
(724) 709-4746. Thank you for your consideration! Hvala!
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PLEASE HELP - BETHESDA MISSION WOMEN’S SHELTER OUTREACH
On the second Saturday of every month, volunteers from our four Orthodox churches prepare and serve lunch for shelter residents. We also help with various projects and activities that assist with shelter operations. If anyone would like to volunteer or learn more about this important program, please contact Andrea Gunther.
CHURCH SCHOOL REGISTRATION
Register for the 2025-2026 Church School year with the following link:
https://forms.gle/JuVAESBtWpQL6X7s8
BULLETIN DEADLINE
Please send all Bulletin requests to the church office at office@stnicholassteelton.org. You may also call (717) 939-3872. Bulletin Deadline is Wednesday at 11 am.
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
Office hours are Monday thru Friday from 9:00 am until noon. You may call the office during these hours at (717) 939-3872 or come by the office in person. Office hours will be adjusted when services are occurring during those hours.
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January Charity
The International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC)
IOCC is a humanitarian aid agency of Orthodox Christians. Established in 1992 by the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA), it works in cooperation with the Orthodox Church and on behalf of Orthodox Christians. In carrying out its mission, offering emergency relief and development programs to those in need worldwide, without discrimination, and strengthening the capacity of the Orthodox Church to so respond, IOCC applies the highest profession standards and renders itself fully accountable to the public and its donors. Since its inception, IOCC has administered more than $580 million in humanitarian relief, sustainable development and self-help programs worldwide. Approximately 92% of all money donated directly helps those facing dire situations and every dollar given helps secure $7 in support from various sources. All assistance is provided solely on the basis of need and benefits orphans, refugees and displaced persons, the elderly, school children, families and people with disabilities.
Over the course of their history, IOCC has been able to assist people in 50 countries with priority currently in the Balkans (Bosnia, Herzegovina, Kosovo, Serbia, Montenegro), Cameroon, Ethiopia, Georgia, Greece, Haiti, Iraq, Jerusalem, West Bank and Gaza, Jordan, Lebanon, Romania, Syria, Uganda, and the United States. Since the need for help is great, IOCC continually works to expand its programs to other areas. Visit www.iocc.org for additional information.
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Charitable Contributions to the Church
The Finance Committee is making an appeal for the months of November and December asking for tax deductible charitable contributions. These funds will be dedicated to paying down the mortgage and boosting our reserve funds. The “Burn the Mortgage” Capitol Campaign that we previously ran enabled us to pay down $160,000 on our mortgage balance. Currently our mortgage is down to approximately $500,000. We thank God for your efforts—they have been a big help!
However, our investment account is down to $200,000. We continue to withdraw from our reserves, supplementing mortgage payments as well as paying the bills. Below are a few options:
· If you receive an RMD (required minimum distribution) you can transfer a tax free distribution to the church up to $100,000.
· Donation of dividends from stock, annuities and insurance policies can be used to lessen your tax burden.
· Charitable cash gifts are also tax deductible.
Consult your tax specialist or financial planner to see what you can do to help. No contribution to your church is too big or too small! Any member of our finance committee will be able to offer assistance. Please inquire at the church office.
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The Nativity of Our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ
St. Nikolai—Prologue of Ochrid
“But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son” (Galatians 4:4) to save the human race. And when nine months were fulfilled from the Annunciation, when the Archangel Gabriel had appeared to the Most-Holy Virgin in Nazareth, saying, “Rejoice, you that are highly favored...behold, you shall conceive in your womb, and bring forth a Son” (Luke 1:28-31), at that time there went forth a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the people of the Roman Empire should be taxed. In accordance with this decree, everyone had to go to his own town and be registered. That is why the righteous Joseph came with the Most-Holy Virgin to Bethlehem, the city of David, for they were both of the royal lineage of David. Since many people descended on this small town for the census, Joseph and Mary were unable to find lodging in any house, and they sought shelter in a cave which shepherds used as a sheepfold. In this cave-on the night between Saturday and Sunday, on the 25th of December, the Most-Holy Virgin gave birth to the Savior of the world, the Lord Jesus Christ. Giving birth to Him without pain just as He was conceived without sin by the Holy Spirit and not by man, she herself wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, worshipped Him as God, and laid Him in a manger. Then the righteous Joseph drew near and worshiped Him as the Divine Fruit of the Virgin’s womb. Then the shepherds came in from the fields, directed by an angel of God, and worshiped Him as the Messiah and Savior. The shepherds heard a multitude of God’s angels singing: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14). “At that time three wise men arrived from the east, led by a wondrous star, bearing their gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh. They worshiped Him as the King of kings, and offered Him their gifts” (Matthew 2). Thus entered the world He Whose coming was foretold by the prophets, and Who was born in the same manner in which it had been prophesied: of a Most-Holy Virgin, in the town of Bethlehem, of the lineage of David according to the flesh, at the time when there was no king in Jerusalem of the lineage of Judah, but rather when Herod, a foreigner, was reigning. After many types and prefigurings, messengers and heralds, prophets and righteous men, wise men and kings, finally He appeared, the Lord of the world and King of kings, to perform the work of the salvation of mankind, which could not be performed by His servants. To Him be eternal glory and praise! Amen.
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