St. Elias Ukrainian Catholic Church, Brampton, Ontario -CHRISTMAS- RIZDVO – A Guide to Praying at Home: resources and message from Fr. Roman Galadza

FROM THE PASTOR  Christmas Eve -Святвечір 2020

Dear Parishioners, Family and Friends!

Христос Раждаєтся! Славіте Єго!    –    Christ is Born! Glorify Him!

Christmas this year is one we will never forget.  So often in the past we have been warned not to let the sights and sounds of the holiday season distract us from the true meaning of Christmas.  This year, it is as if God Himself has decided to remind us that He is the “Reason for the Season.  read moreThe world as we know it has ground almost to a halt.  Compliance with government health protocol has in places closed our churches to public services, or, as in our case, limited the number of worshippers to 10.  It has prevented our children from coming home for Christmas, from sharing in the rituals of the traditional Ukrainian “Свята Вечеря-Holy Supper“ and then, after the “Коляда-Carolling“, from joining the greater community in welcoming the new-born Christ-child in church.  Yes, Christmas-2020 is one that we will never forget.

Can anything good be found in this year’s celebration?   Scripture tells us “All things work together to good for those who love God” (Romans 8: 28).  As believers, this should cause us to pause and in faith consider what good might come out of the present situation.  I will leave it to you to discuss with your family and friends, in person or by various means of modern communication, what that benefit might be.  One thing for sure however; if absence indeed makes the heart grow fonder – if it causes us to appreciate what has been taken away, then for sure, when next Christmas arrives, we will celebrate as never before.

In the meantime, it is important that we carry on to the best of our ability.  The food will be prepared, the table will be set, the candle will be lit, and when the first star is announced, the ritual (attached below) will be observed once again.  Different this year, but still, essentially the same.  And perhaps even if you are alone, you won’t be, because God has a way of being especially close when we experience adversity.

Afterwards, if you can, access the Services taking place in church and made available to you through live-streaming.  Know that when I look up at the camera, when I incense, when I bless, I see – you.  Please God, next year, I will be able to embrace you as well.  Until then, let us count our blessings.

Fr. Roman

СВЯТА ВEЧEРЯ – HOLY SUPPER Christmas Eve Ritual in the Ukrainian manner (Orysia Paschak Tracz, adapted) (download pdf) Use with resources above