JAN 1: DIVINE LITURGY OF ST. BASIL – 10:00 AM (OUTDOORS WEATHER PERMITTING). During this holiday season, please keep in mind that the annual St. Nicholas Giving Tree will be set up in the back of the church. Pleae keep with the tradition that this tree has been our “giving tree” for many years and provides the opportunity to contribute money to benefit an orphanage in the Ukraine. Please take a “ornament” and provide a monetary gift as directed.
PROPERS: 01-01-23_Sunday_Circumcision_DL
MOLEBEN TO HOLY FATHER ST. BASIL THE GREAT: Moleben_Basil_the_Great
Streaming via Facebook Live. https://www.facebook.com/saintscyrilandmethodius/
Parishes live-streaming in the Diocese can be found here: https://www.eparchyofpassaic.com/livestream
INFORMATION ABOUT THE FEAST (from Metropolitan Cantor Institute): http://www.metropolitancantorinstitute.org/liturgy/Circumcision.html
On January 1st each year, we commemorate The Circumcision of Our Lord, eight days after the Nativity. Jesus was circumcised and named on this day, in keeping with the Law of Moses, which signifies that He is in fullfillment of the Old Covenant. “When the eighth day arrived for his circumcision, the name Jesus was given the child, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.” (Luke 2:21), as from Gospel Reading for today, Luke 2: 20-21. During this feast, we also recall the childhood of our Lord, the “hidden years” from his infancy until the beginning of his public ministry, which we read in the Gospel Readings, Luke 2: 40-52 and Luke 6: 17-23. Specifically, in the later reading (NIV Bible), Luke 6: 17-23, Jesus meets with a large crowd and He heals many and ” 20 Looking at His disciples, He said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. 21 Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. 22 Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. 23 “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets.”
On January 1st, we also commemorate the anniversary of the death of Saint Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea. He was one of the most distinguished Doctors (teachers) of the Church. Chosen bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia, he was a tireless preacher, defender of orthodox theology against the Arian heresy, a writer of theological works, and a authority on monastic life, whose guidelines are still followed throughout the Christian East. He is credited with an Anaphora (Eucharistic prayer) which is a masterwork of theology and devotion. The Liturgy of Saint Basil is used on the great baptismal feasts, on the Sundays of the Fast, and on this, his feast day.
