Christ Is Born! Glorify Him!
The Nativity of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm by the many Orthodox faithful who attended the Nativity services at Saint Steven’s Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in Alhambra, California.
His Grace Bishop Maxim, Rev. Fr. Nicholas Ceko, Cathedral Dean, and the Episcopal Assistants Rev. Hieromonk Vasilije Gavrilovic and Rev. Vladan Radovanovic, together with the faithful celebrated the Nativity Vesper service on Badnja Vece, Saturday, January 6th, followed by the burning of the Badnjak and then the traditional lenten dinner.
On the next morning, Sunday, January 7th, His Grace and clergy concelebrated the Divine Liturgy, assisted by many altar serves. The Cathedral was full with Christ-loving Orthodox Christians who joined in the responses with the cathedral choir as they beautifully and angelically sang the joyful hymns of our Savior’s Birth.
At the conclusion of the service Fr. Nicholas Ceko read the Nativity Encyclical from His Holiness Patriarch Porfirije and all the hierarchs of the Serbian Orthodox Church. The clergy and faithful then departed to the social hall for a festive Christmas Luncheon prepared by the hands of loving parishioners and hosted by the parish priest and family.
May we all be blessed with God’s grace and mercy. Mir Božiji,! Hristos Se Rodi! Peace from God! Christ is Born!
Christmas Eve – Badnja Vece
Christmas Day – Bozic
