Update for the week Thursday, December 19 - Thursday, December 26, 2019 

THIS WEEK AT ST. MARY’S

SUNDAY 12/22 – Orthros 8:45am; St. Ignatius Catechetical Group, 9:00am; Divine Liturgy 10:00am, followed by Church School Christmas pageant

TUESDAY 12/24 – Royal Hours for the Nativity 9:00am,  Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil 11:00am;
Orthros 6:45pm,  Festal Divine Liturgy of St. Basil 8:00pm
   + Plan to stay for a festive celebration after Christmas Evening Liturgy: before heading out after the Christmas Evening Liturgy this year, come and join your church family for some hot mulled cider, wine, cheese and crackers, Christmas goodies, music, and more. The reception is hosted by Natasha Smith, Bonnie Michal, Teva Regule, Rose Njuguna and Elana Jabbour.

NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS

NEW PARISH COUNCIL MEMBERS - The five new members elected to the parish council are: Michelle Mabardy, Theo Smith, Phillip Straghalis, Deno Takles and Cali Touloumes.  Congratulations to them all!
 
COFFEE HOUR – This Sunday’s coffee hour is hosted by the Parish Council to honor Nick Bezreh for his long-standing roles as treasurer, handyman, and software developer for the parish. Thank you, Nick, for all you have done for St. Mary’s Church!

WOMEN‘S CLUB OUTING - On Sunday, January 26 the Women’s Club will hold a Winter Get-Together at the Bamboo Restaurant in the Holiday Inn Dedham, 55 Ariadne Rd, Dedham. All women of St. Mary’s are welcome to join us there for supper at 5:30pm. E-mail Melissa Nassiff (mnassiff@gmail.com) if you have any questions or would like to join us.
 
REMINDERS

NATIVITY FAST – The Nativity fast (also known as Advent) began on Friday, November 15, and continues through December 24.
 
NEW CD – The Boston Byzantine Choir has recorded a new CD entitled Twelve Days: Byzantine Chant from Christmas to Epiphany. It is for sale during coffee hour or through the church office.

COFFEE HOUR SPONSORS NEEDED – Please get your friends together and sign up to provide a coffee hour. It can be as simple as coffee, juice, and cookies!  When no one volunteers, there is no coffee hour!  Sign up on the bulletin board downstairs outside the Hall or contact the Church Office: Secretary@stmaryorthodoxchurch.org or 617-547-1234.
 
FOOD FOR HUNGRY PEOPLE – Help support our Canned Food Drive! From October through December 31, bring in canned goods and place them in the plastic bins in the room outside the kitchen. (Canned goods only, please.) They will be distributed to food pantries in our area.
 
FEAST OF THEOPHANY - Celebrate the Great Feast of Theophany with His Grace Bishop JOHN and the Diocese clergy at St. George Church, West Roxbury., on Monday, January 6.  Matins: 5:30pm, Divine Liturgy 7:00pm with Blessing of the Water.
 
WOMEN’S CLUB - Instead of its monthly meeting in January, the Women's Club will host the diocesan Antiochian Women here at St. Mary's on Saturday, January 11. All women of the diocese are welcome to attend this event, which begins with Liturgy at 9:00am, followed by coffee and committee meetings, and concludes with luncheon at noon.
 
FAMILY CAMP – Register now for Winter Family Camp at Antiochian Village, January 17-20, 2020. Family Camp is an opportunity for your family to get away from everyday life and take a weekend as a family to grow closer to Christ, in the beautiful setting of the Antiochian Village Camp. Registration is now open at https://avcamp.org/other-programs/winter-family-camp Cost: $150/parent, $50/child includes meals and lodging.
 
CHOIR MEMBERS NEEDED - The Choir is looking for new members, especially Alto (woman) and Bass/Baritone (men), but of course we welcome all parts.  Please e-mail Michelle Mabardy at mmmabardy@gmail.com if you are interested.

JOIN US ONLINE - St. Mary’s Church services are broadcast live each week through an internet video stream. If you can't attend a service in person, or want to share this ministry with a friend or loved one, the live stream can be viewed at www.stmaryorthodoxchurch.org/live during regularly scheduled service times (see the schedule of services or online). If you have questions or comments about this ministry please contact us at live@stmaryorthodoxchurch.org

REFLECTION

Be thou ready, Bethlehem, Eden hath opened unto all. Ephratha, prepare thyself, for now,
behold, the Tree of Life hath blossomed forth in the cave from the holy Virgin. Her womb
hath proved a true spiritual Paradise, wherein the divine and saving Tree is found, and as we
eat thereof we shall all live, and shall not die as did Adam. For Christ is born now to raise the
image that had fallen aforetime.
   - Apolytikion of the Forefeast of the Nativity
 
On this day the Virgin cometh to the cave to give birth to God the Word ineffably, Who was
before all the ages. Dance for joy, O earth, on hearing the gladsome tidings; with the Angels
and the shepherds now glorify Him Who is willing to be gazed on as a young Child Who before
the ages is God.
   - Kontakion of Preparation of Christ’s Nativity