DEC 6: DIVINE LITURGY – 6:00 PM. AFTER LITURGY THERE WILL BE A VISIT FROM ST. NICHOLAS. St Nicholas has enlisted the assistance of local helpers to bring treats and also reminds children to “give” to others at Christmas.

PROPERS: 12-06_Nicholas_DL

Streaming via Facebook Live.  https://www.facebook.com/saintscyrilandmethodius/

Parishes live-streaming in the Diocese can be found here: https://www.eparchyofpassaic.com/directory

SAINT NICHOLAS: PATRON OF THE BYZANTINE CATHOLIC CHURCH (from the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh): https://archpitt.org/saint-nicholas-patron-of-the-byzantine-catholic-church/

The Gospel Reading is Luke 6:17-23. In this Gospel Jesus comes to talk to the “multitudes” on a level plain or place. Jesus teaches the people about God’s blessings, human relationships, ethics, and good character. Then “Jesus looked up to His disciples” and then spoke of “Blessings and Woes” in which Jesus speaks about real economic and social poverty, thus giving God’s blessing upon those who suffer such hardship.

The church commemorates St Nicholas the Wonder-worker and Archbishop of Myra, because of the many miracles attributed to his intercession. Though his family had been rich, Saint Nicholas decided to distribute all of his possessions to the poor and to dedicate himself to serving Christ. He had a reputation for secret gift-giving, such as putting coins in the shoes of those who left them out for him. As bishop, Saint Nicholas remembered his own past as an orphan and held a special place in his heart for orphans (and all young children). He continued to give them small gifts and money (especially to the poor), and he provided dowries to three young women who could not afford to marry.

Customary Celebration of St. Nicholas Day

1. Children leave their shoes or boots out on December 5th for St. Nick’s arrival on December 6th. On December 6th, the children may find in their shoes/boots: Coins (signifies the money St. Nicholas gave); Healthy Treats; and Oranges (signify the gold St. Nick gave away).

2. Random Acts of Kindness as a family: most important lesson from the legend of St. Nicholas is his generosity. To help remember this, make a point to do random acts of kindness this time of year. Help those in need in your local area and bring joy to others.

SONG TO ST. NICHOLAS (from the Metropolitan Cantor Institute)

O who loves Nicholas the Saintly

O kto kto Nikolaja l’ubit