Christmas at Milton Monastery

The feast of the Nativity of the Christ Child was solemnly celebrated at the Holy Transfiguration Monastery in Milton.

On eve of the feast, Badnje Vece, the church was filled with the faithful people who came from all over south Ontario that in joy they begin the celebration of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Officiating was His Grace Bishop Mitrophan of Canada, with the concelebration of Protosindjel Vasilije. Following the service His Grace addressed the faitfhul. After distributing the blessed Badnjak, the Litiya followed to the living quarters where the badnjak wood was placed in the fire together with song and childlike joy. The faithful were treated to a lenten dinner and the children received gifts at the monastery trpeza.

The celebration continued at 4:00 am with Matins and Liturgy. Officiating was Bishop Mitrophan, together with the concelebration of Protosindjel Vasilije. During the Liturgy many faithful took Communion. After the dismissal, Bishop Mitrophan read the Nativity Encyclical of Patriarch Irinej. 

The faithful, together with their Bishop, took part later in the Christmas meal at the monastery trpeza, which began with the sharing in the Christmas Chesnica and singing the Christmast Tropar and in the joy of the feast, wishing everyone: Peace from God! Christ is Born! Indeed He is Born!

Source: Diocese of Canada