St. Augustine wrote, "It was a new star that appeared in this amazing birth by a virgin. Its service was reflected on the Magi who were searching for Christ. It went ahead of them to lighten the way, until it led them to the place where the Word of God was as a child. The baby was not born because the star was there, but rather the star appeared because Jesus was born. If we have to speak about destiny, let us then say the star did not define the destiny of Christ as the fortunetellers say, but rather it was Christ who has defined the destiny of the star."

The star was not the light. He gave light. The star led the way to the Christ Child, just as St. John the Baptist is the forerunner who leads us to Christ. As it is written by the Prophet Isaiah, "Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who shall prepare your way; the voice of one crying in the wilderness: prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.”  

St. John the Baptist was not the Christ. He is not the Light. It is Jesus who is the Light. He is High Priest, He is the Mighty King, He is the divine Son of God; He is the Light of the world since the beginning of time. The light of Christ shines in all. The Light illumines and sanctifies us. Let us walk while we have the light.

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

The Feast of Theophany (Epiphany) falls on Monday, January 6th. Divine Services will be as follows:

Sunday, Jan. 5th, the Eve of Theophany.

Orthros, 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy, 10 a.m. and the Great Blessing of the Waters at 11:30 a.m.

Monday, Jan. 6th, Epiphany Day.

Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great followed by the Great Blessing of the Waters, 9:30 a.m. 

Holy Water will be available for take away both Sunday and Monday. Your patience is requested.

The church complex was so beautifully decorated this Christmas season. Many families stood before the Christmas tree all dressed up and took their annual Christmas photos! Thanks to the many parishioners who gathered together to “deck the halls.”  The time has now come to take down and carefully store the decorations for future years. We can use your help. Please join us after Divine Liturgy on Monday, January 6th.  Many hands makes the job go quickly. 

The annual cutting of the Vasilopita will be held following the Divine Liturgy in the hall on Sunday, January 12th. The event is sponsored by the Philoptochos. All proceeds will go to St. Basil's Academy for Children. 

It is traditional to have our homes blessed each year on the occassion of the Feast of the Theophania. Fr. Milton Gianulis is happy to come to your home if you desire. Please call his church study (757) 220-0994, leave a message, and he will return your call as soon as possible.

There will also be holy water bottles available for take away on Sunday and Monday of the Feast if you wish to bless your homes yourselves.

A former member of our Greek American community of Hampton Roads is still in need of a stem cell transplant. I have extra registration kits available for anyone who would like to join. To join the registry, all that is required is a short health survey and a cheek swab. Join the Registry | NMDP (Formerly Be The Match) Only persons between 18- 40 years old are eligible. Please contact me, Elaine Jansen at 757 810-5206 or [email protected] with any questions and to sign up. Thank you! 

Thank you everyone in the community who contributed to FISH during the holidays. Your generosity made a big difference.

Updates on Orthodox Church news items can be found on our Facebook page. We thank Presbytera for monitoring and administering the page.

Also, check out our St. Demetrios website.

Lift up in prayer:

Peter and Beverly Daikos

Demetria Emmanouil

Stavroula Gailey - Riverside Rehab Hospital

Sonny Halioris

Jennifer Mary Hotz

Athanasia Jouvanis

Jim Kokolis

Nancy Marakos

Chris Marker

John and Connie Pavlides

Nick Vlahakis

Nick Vlattas

We are in need of volunteers to help in various areas of the church life. If you have expertise or a willingness to lend a hand, we could use your assistance with the following:

• Youth Work (JOY advisor; GOYA advisor)
• Greek Dance Instuctor
• Web Page Managment
• Photographer/Historian
• Gardening and Lawn Care
• Kitchen Assistance (cooking, cleaning, etc.)

Contact the church office or Fr. Milton if you are willing and able to help.