The Twelve Days of Christmas

Christmas 2025

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” (John 1:14)

Dear Beloved Annunciation Family and Friends,

Every year, we return to the mystery of Christmas, and each year it touches us a little differently. The world has changed. We have changed. But the miracle remains the same. He sends us His Son.

The Nativity reminds us that God chooses to enter the real conditions of human life, not ideal ones. He comes quietly, without spectacle, into a world that is crowded, distracted, and often weary. This is the heart of our faith: that God draws near.

As your priest, I see this mystery reflected in you. I observe it in your faithfulness, perseverance, generosity, and care for one another. I see it in those who show up even when life feels heavy; in families raising children in faith; in those who serve quietly and give sacrificially; and in those who continue to love this parish even when circumstances make it difficult.

Christmas invites us not simply to remember a birth long ago, but to ask a living question today: Where will Christ find room now? In our homes. In our schedules. In our priorities. In our giving. In our willingness to be present to God and to one another.

The Church exists to ensure that this encounter with Christ doesn't fade away after the decorations are put away. Through worship, ministry, education, outreach, and stewardship, we continue to proclaim, not only with words but with our lives, that God is with us. Emmanuel.

Thank you for all the ways you already make this possible. Your dedication sustains our ministries, supports our staff, nurtures our children, and helps Annunciation remain a spiritual home for generations to come.

From my family to yours, please know how grateful we are for you. It is an honor to serve as your priest, to pray with you, and to walk this journey of faith alongside you.

May the Light born in Bethlehem shine gently yet firmly in your hearts. May it bring peace where there is worry, warmth where there is distance, and hope where it is most needed. And may Christ, who came once in humility, continue to dwell richly among us.

With love, gratitude, and prayers for a blessed Nativity and a grace-filled New Year,

Christ is Born!

+ Father John

Church Services for the Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord

Sunday, Dec 21, Before the Nativity

Matins, 8:30 am, Divine Liturgy, 9:30 am

Nativity Pageant by Our Youth
PTO Bake Sale & Vasilopita Pickup

Tuesday, Dec 23

Royal Hours of the Nativity, 10 am

Wednesday, Dec 24, Eve of the Nativity

Vesperal Divine Liturgy of the Eve of the Nativity, 10 am

Matins and Divine Liturgy of the Nativity, 6 pm

Thursday, Dec 25, The Nativity of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

(No liturgy today)

Sunday, Dec 28, After the Nativity

Matins, 8:30 am, Divine Liturgy, 9:30 am

Wednesday, Dec 31

Matins and Divine Liturgy for Basil the Great and New Year, 10 am

Sunday, Jan 4, Before Epiphany

Matins, 8:30 am, Divine Liturgy, 9:30 am

Monday, Jan 5, Forefeast of the Theophany

Vesperal Divine Liturgy of the Eve of the Epiphany with Agiasmos/the Blessing of the Waters, 6 pm

Tuesday, Jan 6, The Theophany of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

Matins, 8:30 am, Divine Liturgy with Agiasmos/the Blessing of the Waters, 9:30 am

Wednesday, Jan 7, Synaxis in Honor of the Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist John

Matins, 8:30 am, Divine Liturgy, 9:30 am

Annual House Blessings for Theophany 2026

Fr. John will be available January—February 2026 to visit your home or place of business for the annual Theophany/Epiphany house blessing. He will be in certain areas on certain days to cover the large geographical area of our parish.

If the dates listed below are not possible for you, please let us know, and Fr. John will try to accommodate you in his schedule. Businesses may request a date and time suitable to their hours of operation. 215-635-0316, office@anngoc.org.