On Friday, January 7, the clergy and faithful of the ROCOR Mission in Nicaragua came together at Monasterio de San Antonio el Grande in Río Negro, Boaco, to joyously greet the great feast of the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Celebrating Divine Liturgy in the monastery’s Holy Transfiguration Church was the abbot, Hieromonk Marcos (Cantillano-Calderon), co-served by Priest Daniel Valle (rector of Misión San Juan de Shanghai y San Francisco in Matagalpa).

This year saw an especially joyous event for the entire Mission: a generous benefactor sent the Mission $1,000 to provide Nativity gifts and care packages to its members.

Fr. Marcos writes, "With real joy I send photos of the event held on January 7, where more than 100 people participated, including children and adults. Toys were delivered to 50 boys and 50 girls for a total of 100 beneficiaries, traditional games were played, a food package was given to the elderly and single mothers, and a luncheon was shared."

May we all remember and be inspired to do works of charity this holiday season!