From the New Ostrog Monastery
The Brotherhood of the Canadian Orthodox Monastery of All Saints of North America greets all our brothers and sisters in Christ with the joy of the Incarnation of God.
May the twelve days of Christmas, from one celebration of the Nativity to the other, bring new life to spirit and heart of each.
May the twelve days of Christmas remind us all of the oneness of the Church of Christ whether we celebrate the Nativity Liturgy at the beginning of the Twelve Days of Christmas or at their end. The Nativity of Christ gives New Year's a complete meaning, with the newness of life and restoration of mankind heralded by the Incarnation and the beginning of our salvation. Let it also herald a greater peace and understanding among Orthodox Christians, whether they use the Greek or Slavic Calendars for the celebration of the feasts of our Saviour.
Christ is Born! Glorify Him!
NEW YEAR'S EVE AT THE MONASTERY
The Monastery Main Hall sparkles with LED Christmas lights streaming out from a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. The great stone fireplace crackles and blazes, warming the hall with the soft, penetrating heat that only a wood fire can produce. All light are off except the red and blue Christmas lights which give an etherial quality to the room.
At 11 P.M., every one proceeds to the chapel and the chanting and reading of the Midnight Hour begins. A dozen or more Russians, Ukrainians and Moldovians have braved the snow and icy roads to gather with us to welcome in the new year in true Orthodox Christian fashion. Four year old Anastasia falls asleep half-way through the prayers. Everyone else is energized by the Divine Service as we give thanks to God for the past year and pray for His blessing and guidance through the coming year. The intoning of the Heavenly King, Comforter, Most Holy Trinity and the Our Father refrains through the service. At midnight, we proclaim the New Year with the singing of the "Many Years" and "Save us O Christ our God."
The traditional New Year's loafs are blessed with holy water and prayer, commemorating the feeding of the 5000 in the wilderness, so they we may break blessed bread together after the prayers. We eat our bread in thankfulness and fellowship.
For several minutes, everyone sits in the quiet hall, still lighted only by the Christmas lights. Then the lights are turned on and the food is blessed. We rejoice in each others company into the early hours of the morning. Several people finally retire to the various guest rooms in the Monastery, filled with prayer, food and the comfort of the Holy Spirit, and the comfort of the love of each other. We have welcomed the New Year in true Orthodox Christian fashion.
Your brother in Christ,
Vladyka Lazar and the Brotherhood