The Nativity of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

​“Behold, the time of salvation is drawing near. * O Cave, prepare yourself, * for the Virgin is coming to give birth. * O Bethlehem, O land of Judah, * adorn yourself and be happy * since the Lord will shine forth from you. * O mountains and hills and lands around Judah, * hearken, for Christ is coming that He may save his creation * because He is the Lover of Mankind.”
 
My Dear Spiritual Children,
We have come to the end of Saint Philip’s Fast. We have prepared ourselves as did the Cave, to receive the Christ Child into our hearts to provide a safe and warm place for Him to be born. Like the Shepherds and the Magi we have anxiously awaited His coming, and we bear the gift of our love and desire to be counted worthy of receiving the Prince of Peace into our lives; not only just on the Feast of His Nativity, but throughout our whole lives.
 
All of this demands a change in our attitudes and in our actions. We cannot continue to be the same old person that we were forty days ago. We are renewed by the coming of Our Lord and Savior – God becoming man so that we might become like Him. Let us joyfully and with great thanksgiving sing the Holy Carols of the Feast and allow them to fill our hearts with His peace.
 
This is an extremely difficult time for me as I cannot be with you in person to sing and celebrate the Feast. I assure you that I am with you in my prayers. I pray for each and every one of you that the Prince of Peace may fill your hearts and souls and bring you the greatest joy. I look forward to being together with you soon.
 
I want to thank the Right Rev. Protopresbyter , Father  Emmanuel Pratsinakis for celebrating the most Holy Mysteries with you, my spiritual children. It has brought me peace knowing that you are taken care of spiritually in my absence.
 
May God continue to bless and keep you during this season of His Holy Nativity and throughout your whole life. May He keep you always in His tender, loving care!
 
With love and prayers,
Father Stephen