On Nativity Eve – Tuesday, January 6 – His Grace, Bishop Jerome led the All-Night Vigil in Nativity of the Mother of God Church at the New Kursk Root Hermitage in Mahopac, NY, co-served by parish clerics Abbot Cornelius (Apukhtin) and Deacon George Temidis.

After the service, all those present sat down next to the Christmas tree for a humble supper, which included traditional sochivo (porridge), uzvar (fruit compote), honey, and homemade bread.

On the very day of Christ’s Nativity, Bishop Jerome celebrated the festal Divine Liturgy, co-served by Frs. Cornelius and George. After Liturgy, His Grace congratulated all of the parishioners on the occasion of the great feast. Though it was cold outside the windows and snow covered the ground, inside the church the people rejoiced in the feast – the Birth of our Savior into the world. They congratulated one another, exchanged well-wishes around the festal table, and looked forward with hope to the coming year.