'And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will govern my people Israel.'    (Matt 2:5-6)

The truth of things revealed you to your flock as a rule of faith,  a model of meekness, and a teacher of temperance.  Through humility, you attained the heights;  and through poverty, riches.   O Father and Hierarch Nicholas, intercede with Christ God that our souls may be saved.    (Troparion — Tone 4)

The truth of things revealed you to your flock as a rule of faith,  a model of meekness, and a teacher of temperance.  Through humility, you attained the heights;  and through poverty, riches.  O Father and Hierarch Nicholas, intercede with Christ God that our souls may be saved.    (Troparion — Tone 4)

"For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."      (1 Cor 1:18)

O Inexpressible mystery and unheard of paradox; the Invisible is seen; the Intangible is touched; the Eternal Word becomes accessible to our speech;  the Timeless steps into time;  the Son of God becomes the Son of Man.   (Gregory of Nyssa)

O Christ, Who alone art our Defender: Visit and heal Thy suffering servant _____________, delivering him (her) from sickness and grievous pains. Raise him (her) up that he (she) may sing to Thee and praise Thee without ceasing, through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Thou Who alone lovest mankind.

Sunday of the holy Forefathers.  We remember all the faithful people of the Old Testament who served as God's witnesses.  Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Jacob's twelve sons - the leaders of the tribes of Israel  These and many other persons remained faithful to God and looked for the coming of the Savior promised by God.

"But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you."      (Matt 6:3-4)

“And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7)

“And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7)

“And the angel said to them, "Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:10-12)

“And the angel said to them, "Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.    (Luke 2:10-12)

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased!" (Luke 2:13-14)

And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and man. (Luke 2:52)

John answered them all, "I baptize you with water; but He who is mightier than I is coming, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.       (Luke 3:16-17)