Kala Christougenna—Greek

Craciun Fericit—Romanian

FEAST DAY OF ST. NICHOLAS

DECEMBER 6

St. Nicholas is beloved throughout the Christian East and West for his kindness and help both during his life and afterward. He is called “Wonderworker” from the Greek word “Θαυματουργός” for the miracles which he performed and which he still performs by God’s grace. He is one of the best known, best loved Saints of all time.

We would like to wish a Happy Name Day and

Χρόνια Πολλά to everyone with the name

“Nicholas”

A very special Χρόνια Πολλά to Father Nick!

Shastlivogo Rozhdestva

--Russian

DATES TO REMEMBER

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5 Reception following Vespers

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6

Feast Day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 7:00 p.m. Champagne, Hors D’oeuvres, and

a Cookie Exchange

SUNDAY, JANUARY 14,2018—VASILOPITA

CHRISTMAS DAY

MONDAY, DECEMBER 25

PHILOPTOCHOS CORNER

December 2017 "

Nationa

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church 3109 Scio Church Road Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT BARK

Great for gifts and . . . it’s so easy to make these festive sweets!

• 12 oz. dark chocolate • 12 oz. white chocolate

• 1/2 cup crushed candy canes

➢ Line a 9x12 baking pan with parchment paper ➢ Place dark chocolate in microwave-safe bowl and

melt in microwave for 30 seconds, stir and repeat until smooth

➢ Pour melted dark chocolate on parchment paper and use spatula to spread evenly in the pan

➢ Melt white chocolate following same steps above ➢ After white chocolate is smooth, pour it on top of

the dark chocolate and spread evenly ➢ Crush candy canes and sprinkle on top while

white chocolate is still melted and hasn’t set ➢ Harden in refrigerator for two hours and then

break into pieces. ENJOY!

The ornament of a house is the friends who frequent it.

--Ralph Waldo Emerson

CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD

Many Christmas traditions and customs are observed throughout the Christian world. Let’s begin with Bethlehem . . . Bethlehem. In Bethlehem, the town where Jesus was born, is the site of the Church of the Nativity which is ablaze with flags and decorations every Christmas. On Christmas Eve, the dramatic annual procession is held. The procession solemnly enters the doors and places an ancient effigy of the Holy Child in the Church. Deep winding stairs lead to a grotto where visitors find a silver star marking the site of the Birth of Jesus. France. In many regions of France, Christmas celebrations start with St. Nicholas Day on December 6 when children receive sweets and little gifts. On Christmas Eve, children put their polished shoes in front of the chimney and hope that Father Christmas fills their shoes with sweets. Philippines. In the Philippines there is a special tradition of having a Christmas lantern which is called “parol”; the lantern is star-shaped, remembering the Star of Bethlehem, and is mainly made from bamboo and paper. Australia. As Australia is in the Southern Hemisphere, it is a tradition in the weeks leading up to Christmas to join in Christmas picnics organized by the churches and in singing Christmas carols on the beach—after all, it is summer in Australia!

ORIGINS OF THE WREATH

Many of us decorate our homes with wreaths during the Christmas season , but have you ever wondered about it origin? Of course, there are different wreaths, but they all have one characteristic in common—they are all round. The Christmas wreath has significant meaning for the season. Its circular shape represents eternity, for it has no beginning and no end. From a Christian perspective, it represents an unending circle of life. The evergreen, most frequently used in making Christmas wreaths, symbolizes growth and everlasting life that never truly dies despite the winter winds and chills. The history of wreaths is a little vague. One theory claims the wreath dates back to ancient Greece and Rome where members of the Greco-Roman society would make wreaths out of twigs, small fruits, and flowers. Worn as headdresses, the wreath represented one’s occupation, rank, and status. Laurel wreaths were used to crown victors of sporting events, a tradition still used today during the Olympic Games where medals are engraved with sprigs of laurel. Another theory claims the origin dates back to 1,000 BC when pagans celebrating the Winter Solstice made wreaths as a sign of perseverance through harsh winters and hope in the coming spring. Made from evergreen, the wreaths included four candles representing earth, wind, fire, and water, and were typically used in rituals that would ensure the continuance of the circle of life.

“Fear not for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior; which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger” (Luke 2:11-12)

HYMN FROM THE SERVICE OF THE NATIVITY

Χριστός γεννᾶται, δοξάσατε Χριστός ἐξ οὐρανῶν ἀπαντήσατε

Χριστός ἐπί γῆς ὑψώθητε ἂσατε τῶ Κυρίω, πᾶσω ᾓ γή

καί ἐν εὐφροσύνη ἀνυμνήσατε, λαοί, ὃτι δεδοξάσται

Christ is born, glorify Him Christ hath come from the Heavens, receive Him

Christ is on earth, elevate Him And ye nations, praise Him with joy

Sing unto the Lord, all the earth For He hath been glorified

Our very best wishes for a Blessed Christmas

to you and your family