The great feast of Christ’s Nativity is celebrated with great solemnity in Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY.

On January 6, the Royal Hours and Vesperal Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Luke of Syracuse. At the Little Entrance, with the blessing of the Synod of Bishops, His Grace awarded monastery clerics: Abbot Cyprian (Alexandrou) – the right to wear the jeweled cross, Hieromonks Anatoly (Zilin) & Gabriel (Astrahankine) – the right to wear the palitsa, for their dedicated service to the Holy Church.

In the evening, Bishop Luke officiated the festal All-Night Vigil, which despite the inclement weather was attended by a great number of the faithful.

In the morning, January 7, His Grace celebrated Divine Liturgy, co-served by monastery clergy.

Liturgy was followed by a festal meal, at the end of which a reception was held in the office of Bishop Luke. It started with a short moleben and the singing of carols, organized by Protodeacon Michael Pavuk, family, and neighbors, who during the next few days were prepared to bring the joy of Nativity to some of the monastery’s neighbors.

The next day, the feast of the Synaxis of the Most Holy Theotokos, Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada celebrated Liturgy in the monastery, co-served by Bishop Luke.