Just as the Nativity Fast begins, the great feast of the Entry of the Theotokos into the Temple comes upon us. What is even more joyful is that, starting with the canon at Matins during the All-Night Vigil, we begin to hear Nativity hymns: in this case, the irmoi of the canon of the Nativity, which from now until the feast will be sung during festal services. In this way, the Church begins to prepare us for this radiant feast.
His Grace Luke, Bishop of Syracuse and abbot of Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY, officiated the festal All-Night Vigil on the Sunday the 3rd and celebrated Divine Liturgy on Monday the 4th of December.
At the Little Entrance, Priest John Boddecker (monastery cleric) was awarded the right to wear the gold pectoral cross for his great dedication to his duties as a seminary instructor, and Hieromonk Ambrose (Sitalo; rector of St. George the Trophy-Bearer Mission in St. George’s, Grenada) the nabedrennik.
