“Holidays” is a term derived from “holy days.” To Orthodox Christians, Christmas and worship are inseparable, and we honor the feast with services on various days. Tradition deems the dates of Dec. 20-24 as “Pre-feasts” of Christmas, and the dates of Dec. 26-31 to be its extensions. This year there will be five Liturgies associated with the feast: Dec. 21, 22, 24 (evening), 25, 27 & 28. These are times in which Orthodox Christians may receive Holy Communion.

The schedule is as follows:
Sun. Dec. 21, 9:30 AM - Divine Liturgy, Sunday before Christmas.
Mon. Dec. 22, 7:00 AM - Divine Liturgy (Pre-feast of Christmas & Feast of St. Anastasia). This is an early start; the service ends by 8:00 AM.
Wed. Dec. 24, 9:30 AM - Royal Hours of Christmas (Readings & Hymns about Christmas; NOT a Communion service).
Wed. Dec. 24, 5:30 PM - Vespers with Divine Liturgy of Christmas Eve. An Orthodox Education program & a reception will follow.
Thur. Dec. 25, 10:00 AM - Divine Liturgy of Christmas Day. (Please note the 10:00 AM start.)
Sat. Dec. 27, 9:30 AM - Divine Liturgy, feast of St. Stephen.
Sun. Dec. 28, 9:30 AM - Divine Liturgy, Sunday after Christmas.