We begin the month and the year with the celebration of the Circumcision of Our Lord on Monday, Jan. 1. Matins will be at 9:30 and Mass at 10AM, followed by a pot-luck brunch. As is our parish custom, we will remain for a “game day” in the parish hall.
The Feast of the Epiphany, on Saturday, January 6, will also be observed with Matins at 9:30 and Mass at 10AM. After brunch in the parish hall, all are invited to the home of Fr. Nicholas and Kh. Becky, next door to the church, for their house blessing. It is the custom in Orthodoxy for the priest to bless the homes of the faithful during the season of Epiphany. Please speak with Fr. Nicholas or Fr. Raphael to schedule yours.
The annual March for Life will be held in Washington on Friday, January 19. More information about the location of the Orthodox Christians for Life banner – the meeting place for us – and the services surrounding this event will be given soon. Pray for the unborn and mothers in crisis.
St. Gregory’s Annual Parish meeting will take place after Liturgy on Sunday, January 21. This is an opportunity for all members to hear about the work of the Parish Council, other facets of our parish life, and to hear financial reports.
The collection of canned and packaged food for the Food for Hungry People program during Advent and Christmas will continue through the day of Epiphany, when it will be taken to the Manna Food Bank for distribution to the needy.
The women of the parish are invited to participate in a one-day retreat, sponsored by the Antiochian Women of the East, at St. Nina’s Monastery in Union Bridge, Maryland, on Saturday, January 13. Please speak with Kh. Becky if you are interested in joining with others to attend.
Read the full January newsletter here.