On Thursday, December 19, 2024, the Patriarchate of Jerusalem celebrated the feast of our Holy Father Nicholas, Bishop of Myra in Lycia the Wonderworker. The festivities took place at the Holy Church dedicated to him in Beit Jala, with a Divine Liturgy presided over by Patriarch Theophilos III. Also present were Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, along with parish priests Father Joseph, Father Elias, and Father Paul, Archimandrite Silouanos, and Archimandrite Vassianos representing the Russian MISSIA. The event was attended by a large congregation and the General Consul of Greece in Jerusalem, Dimitrios Angelopoulos.
The hymnographer of the Church proclaimed Saint Nicholas as a “rule of faith,” an “icon of meekness,” and a “teacher of temperance.” Saint Nicholas, a great Hierarch, was known for his miracles and his adherence to the Gospel truth established at the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea. He was praised for his gentleness and self-control, following the teachings of Christ and the Apostles. Saint Nicholas was also renowned for his gift of healing, earning him the title of wonderworker.
The celebration highlighted the virtues of faith, gentleness, and self-control that adorned Saint Nicholas, emphasizing the importance of following Christ’s teachings and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The event honored the divine life of Saint Nicholas, who had journeyed to Bethlehem to pay homage to the birthplace of Jesus Christ. The humble cave where the great mystery of the Incarnation of the Son of God was fulfilled was chosen by Him. As the hymnographer beautifully expresses, the cave became heaven, the Virgin Mary the throne of the Cherubim, and the manger the resting place of Christ God. This paradoxical mystery reminds us of the divine nature of Christ and the significance of His birth.
The space of the manger, where the Most Blessed Virgin Mary welcomed the Uncontainable God in the form of an infant, symbolizes the humility and simplicity of Christ’s coming. Although God is incorporeal and beyond description, He chose to dwell among us in human form.
We are called to celebrate the Nativity of Christ by imitating the humility and love of Saint Nicholas, who made his heart a manger for the Uncontainable Christ. By detaching ourselves from worldly desires and focusing on God’s will, we can experience the true joy of Christmas.
After the Divine Liturgy, a procession and meal were held to honor the feast of the Nativity of Christ. His Beatitude delivered a message emphasizing the importance of holiness and following the example of the saints. As Christians, we are called to walk in the light of Christ and strive for holiness in all aspects of our lives.
The celebration continued at the Holy Church of St. Nicholas in Jerusalem, where Vespers and Divine Liturgy were held. Metropolitan Isychios presided over the service, joined by other clergy members and faithful from Jerusalem. The feast was a time of joy and reflection on the meaning of Christ’s birth.
As we celebrate Christmas, let us remember the humility and love of Saint Nicholas and strive to emulate his devotion to God. May we be inspired by his example to seek holiness and walk in the light of Christ. Amen. Please rephrase this sentence.
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