| The
Nativity of the Lord
Observances
surrounding Christmas
Over the centuries, the Byzantine Celebrations of Christmas
have gradually been conforming more and more to the Paschal
sequence of Great Lent through Ascension. Many now refer to
the whole period as "The Winter Pascha" (Alexander
Schmemann), with two parts: The Christmas Fast (first 40 days)
and the Season of the Epiphanies (second 40 days). It is a
fascinating example of on-going Liturgical evolution.
Historically,
the celebration of God's self-revelation in Christ was one
"kernel-feast" of manifestation, light and water,
6 January , The Theophany (in Egypt and the East) or 25 December
(in Rome and the West). 25 December corresponded to the Winter
Solstice, the Saturnalia and the Feasts of Mithras. In most
Churches / locales it was on one of these days that all of
the following events were celebrated: Nativity, Magi, Circumcision,
Baptism, Encounter (Presentation) in the Temple.
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"Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, has shown to
the world the light of wisdom for by it, those
who worshipped the stars were taught by a star
to adore thee, the Sun of Righteousness, and to
know thee, the Orient from on
High.
O Lord, glory to thee!"
The
Christmas Troparion
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