Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Дорогие братья и сестры,

Each year without fail the world experiences the Winter Solstice. And the Solstice holds our attention because we cannot ignore the effect of the shortest day

of sunshine of the year.

Each year without fail we experience the uplifting of our hearts when the choir sings on the Eve of the Nativity the inspiring words of the Troparion of the

Nativity of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ:

Thy Nativity, O Christ our God has shone to the world the Light of Wisdom.

For 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!

Рождество Твое, Христе Боже наш, возсия мирови свет разума:

в нем бо звездам служащии звездою учахуся Тебе кланятися Солнцу правды

и Тебе ведети с высоты востока. Господи, слава Тебе!

Do these words hold our attention, or do the holiday celebrations tend to blunt the effect of the brightest day of sunshine of the year?

The Sun of Righteousness enlightens us each year through the birth of the Son of Righteousness and the brightness of this Light of Wisdom is a beacon for each

of us on the path to salvation.

During the holiday celebrations this year can we focus on that Light and on our own salvation?

May God Bless you. Pray for peace.

Да благословит вас Бог. Молитесь о мире.

In Christ,

Father Gregory

О. Григорий