Christmas Eve in New York
His Grace Bishop Irinej of Eastern America presided over the Christmas Eve vigil and blessing of the yule log (Badnjak), on January 6, 2019, with the faithful of our New York Cathedral community at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation in New York.
Concelebrating with His Grace were Protopresbyter-Stavrophor, Dr. Zivojin Jakovljevic, Dean of the Cathedral of St. Sava, Protopresbyter Aleksa Micich, Protodeacons Milos Zdralic and Dr. Jovan Anicic. During the festal vigil service the choir responded, enthusiastically.
Attending the prayerful, standing-room only service were the faithful from the New York area, including many children. One could feel the joy emanating from the Bethlehem cave this Christmas Eve in windy New York. Gathered around our spiritual father, Bishop Irinej, we perceived that through the mystery of the Christ-Child, we were bound to one another. To add to the celebratory occasion, the congregation was informed of the positive developments regarding the reconstruction of St. Sava Cathedral in New York.
Highlighted in this year’s archpastoral Nativity address were sentiments of family and friendship, community and faith. His Grace’s words pointed out that the mystery of Christ’s birth underscores our Orthodox belief that only gentle, unconditional love nurtured in the family is manifested in full and flows from the cradle of the Bethlehem cave -- the source of our Christmas joy. Through the birth of Christ, God became man, one of us. Hence, Christmas Eve is the evening that illumines all who, wholeheartedly, confess God as their friend. Citing St. Anthousa, mother of St. John Chrysostom, His Grace expressed the true meaning of friendship: it is better to live in the dark than be friendless; therefore, those who have many friends can never be troubled.
At the conclusion of the vigil, His Grace blessed the yule log in memory of this great feast day, praying for the transfiguration of all who have come to worship the Christ-Child. The children’s choir, comprised of members of the folk group Opancici, with their angelic voices sang a compilation of Serbian Christmas songs. They beautifully trumpeted the verses of “Oj Badnjace, Badnjace”; “Zvezda se Zasja”; and “Bozic, Bozic, Blagi Dan.” The joy on the children’s faces warmed our hearts and strengthened our faith in a brighter future and spiritual transformation in our vibrant New York community.
At the conclusion of the children’s repertoire and upon the instructions of the Dean of the New York Cathedral, V. Rev. Dr. Zivojin Jakovljevic, the large gathering proceeded to receive the blessings of Bishop Irinej. As is customary, branches of the yule log were distributed to each family to grace their homes. This year’s yule log was gathered and prepared by Mitar and Dragan Radinovic and their families. Additionally, Jovica and Suzana Galic and Nenad and Jelena Rabrenovic prepared beautiful gifts for the children as a reminder that the church nurtures her children. Furthermore, an agape meal was prepared for the New York Church community through the generosity and kindness of the Serbian Club of Glendale, New York, which regularly participates and prepares meals for great church feasts.
Protodeacon Dr. Jovan Anicic
