Supreme Commanders of the Hosts of the Heavens, we, the unworthy, importune and beseech you that by your supplications you encircle us in the shelter of the wings of your immaterial glory, guarding us who now fall down and cry to you with fervour;  Deliver us from dangers of all kinds, as the great marshals of the heavenly hosts on high.  (Dismissal Hymn, Fourth Tone)

Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and the other Bodiless Powers

“Supreme Commanders of the Hosts of the Heavens, we, the unworthy, importune and beseech you that by your supplications ye encircle us in the shelter of the wings of your immaterial glory, guarding us who now fall down and cry to you with fervor: Deliver us from dangers of all kinds, as the great marshals of the heavenly hosts on high.”

The Feast of Christmas is the celebration of the world’s salvation through the Son of God who became man for our sake, that, through Him, we might ourselves become sons of God the Father by the indwelling of His Holy Spirit in us.

To start the Nativity Fast, place an icon of the Nativity in a special place in your home this week, Discuss the icon with your children. They should be able to identify the characters after your discussion. A printable Icon is under “Reading Matters” along with an explanation for the figures in the Icon.

Entrance of the Most Holy Theotokos -  Today is the prelude of the good will of God, of the preaching of the salvation of mankind. The Virgin appears in the temple of God, in anticipation proclaiming Christ to all. Let us rejoice and sing to her: Rejoice, O Fulfillment of the Creator’s dispensation! (Troparion 4th Tone)

Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called