St. John of Damascus tells us: “The Holy Virgin did not give birth to a mere man but to true God, and not to God simply, but to God made flesh.” God did not bring His body down from heaven, but assumed it from her and united Himself with this body undividedly.  In the womb of the Virgin a perfect unity between divinity and humanity was accomplished.  The Virgin did not give birth to a man who was later adopted by God as His Son.   He who was born was truly God and truly man.  This is the meaning of Theotokos. (Dr. Vaselin Kesich)

Why did God Himself come?   He would come because He cared.  Apostle John expressed the great reason for His coming in John 3:16,   “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”  

St. Athanasius says: “What was God to do in the face of the dehumanizing of mankind?   What else could He possibly do, being God, but renew His image in mankind so that through it man might come once more to know Him?  And how could this be done except by the coming of the very Image Himself, our Savior Jesus Christ?”  

Join us for our many services all listed in the calendar and prepare for the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. On that very special day, sing with us: “Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, has shown to the world the light of wisdom!   For by it, those who worshipped the stars, were taught by a star to adore Thee, the Sun of Righteousness, and to know Thee, the Orient from on high.   O Lord, Glory to Thee!”   God came because He loves you, now you have to come to show you care and give thanks.

Akathist Healing Service to the Mother of God

An archangel came down from heaven and said to the Queen of All: Rejoice! And beholding Thee, O Lord, taking bodily form, with a God-heralding voice, he cried out to her such things as these: Rejoice, Beginning of our salvation. Rejoice, Fulfillment of the Creator’s dispensation. Rejoice, for through Thee God took flesh.

On Saturday, December 6 at 3:00 p.m. an Akathist/Healing service will be held to the Mother of God in front of her Icon “Queen of All.” General Confession and Parish Confessions will be heard following the service. Take this opportunity to rejuvenate your spiritual life as we prepare to celebrate the Nativity of Our Lord.

Happy Birthday to all those celebrating their birthday in December: Greg Cahayla on December 6, Effie Stankovci, and Georgiana Stankiewicz, both on December 7, and Elizabeth Hook on December 27. A very happy birthday to everyone celebrating their birthday in December and May God grant you all Many Years!

Betty Ann Fechisin, the coordinator for the appeal for Christmas gifts for the seminarian family sponsored by the “O” Club this year, reported that the response to our appeal for gifts has been very inspirational. Father Maryan, Betty Ann and the Passaic “O” Club, and the trustees of St. John’s are all grateful for the loving response, and thank everyone for their participation. We wish you a blessed Christmas season and may the light of Christ’s Holy Nativity guide you throughout the coming year!

Helen Baron, our coordinator for the food pantry, wants to thank everyone for their generous support in supplying food and money throughout the Thanksgiving season. Many grateful families and individuals, who otherwise would have had an empty table, sat down to a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner due to the help provided by those who care. Please continue your support and help re-stock the empty shelves especially now that we are approaching Christmas. Thank you.