On Saturday, January 7, 2023 at the Saint Steven’s Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in Alhambra, California, His Grace Bishop Maxim, Hierarch of the Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Western America, together with V. Rev. Nicholas Ceko, Cathedral Dean, Rev. Vladan Radovanovic, Diocesan Secretary, and the subdeacons, alter servers, choir singers, and all the faithful of the parish, gathered for the Festal Matins and Divine Liturgy to commemorate the Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

During the Liturgy the the beautiful and joyous Christmas Troparion was sung: Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, Has shone to the world the light of knowledge; 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!

At the conclusion of the service, His Grace Bishop Maxim extended greetings of peace and joy to all, giving glory to God as we all welcome the birth of the Christ child.

Fr. Nicholas Ceko then read aloud the Festal Encyclical of His Holiness Patriarch Porfirije, and the Assembly of the Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

The faithful then made their way to the social hall for the traditional Christmas luncheon hosted by the Cathedral Dean, Fr. Nicholas and his family.

It was a beautiful and festive day enjoyed by all who came to celebrate the birth of the christ-child, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

МИР БОЖЈИ – ХРИСТОС СЕ РОДИ! PEACE FROM GOD! CHRIST IS BORN! 

Christmas Greetings:

Patriarchal Nativity Encyclical from His Holiness Porfirije
and the Assembly of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church

Hierarchical Nativity Greeting from His Grace Bishop MAXIM

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