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The Orthodox Christian Church of Saint Aethelheard,LOUTH

stands within the cemetery grounds, London Road, LN11 0QP,Parish Priest: Father George Hackney, MA

Postal address: 6 Breedon Drive, Lincoln LN1 3XAEmail: fathergeorge@macace.net

Home phone: 01522.533854Mobile: 0791.468.2526

Website: www.louthorthodox.ukNo 3 DECEMBER 2019

The iconostasis in Saint Aethelheard’s Orthodox Church, Louth.Your Nativity, O Christ our God,

Has shone to the world the Light of wisdom!For by it, those who worshipped the stars,

Were taught by a star to worship You,The Sun of Righteousness,

And to know You, the Orient from on High.O Lord, glory to You!

Safeguarding Officer: Matushka Annis. Tel: 01522.533850.Emergency Number: 0303 003 11 11

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It’s not Crimbo! It is the fashion for journalists to refer to 25th December as “Crimbo.“ This peculiar word is a corruption of “Christmass” -The day was originally called “Christ’s Mass Day”.It was a holiday because it was a holy day. It was the day of the Mass that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Some time after the Protestant schism of 16th century, they dropped the final letter “s” from the word “Mass” and it was reduced to “Christmas’.In the Orthodox Church we hold to a more ancient title for this Holy Feast. We call it the Nativity according to the flesh of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ. In Russian churches Christmass Day falls on January 7th according to the Old Calendar. This same Old Calendar was also used everywhere in England until 1750.In 1750 Parliament abolished the Old Calendar and ordered the use of the New Calendar. That is why in English churches Christmas Day is celebrated on 25th December. The Syrian and Greek Orthodox churches also accept the New Calendar and celebrate the Birth of Christ on 25th December. Not all Orthodox keep Christmass on the same day.However, we are not celebrating the exact DATE of Christ’s birth.We are celebrating the FACT of it. Christ is Born! That is a fact of history.Most scholars agree that it took place between what we now call 6 BC and 4 BC. So we can agree that Christ was born about 2,000 years ago and we are now living in the Christian Era (CE), the Year of Our Lord 2019 AD ( Anno Domini ).

So - Christ is Born. But Who or What is this Christ?Jesus is God in the flesh. The man we call “Doubting Thomas“ was the first to realise this. He fell at the feet of the Risen Lord crying “my Lord and my God.” Thomas lost his doubts when confronted by Jesus, risen from the dead. This same Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd seeking the lost sheep - you and me. He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep. Christ crucified is the Good Shepherd paying the price for leaving behind the bliss of heaven and walking on earth as a man of flesh and blood. At this time of year, we remember that the Eternal Word of God who was Pure Spirit humbled Himself and entered our world as a human being through the Motherhood of the Virgin Mary. He came to save us. We killed Him. He conquered death. He rose again. He loves us and longs for us to return His love. Christ says to each one of us, every day of our lives, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door I will come in.” But He won’t kick the door down. If you open the door of your heart and invite Christ in, He will come into your life. He will save you. He will save you from guilt and sin and death. He will lead you into heaven.

Don’t fill your house with turkey and crackers, wine and presents this Christmass- and leave Jesus standing outside. Open your heart and ask Him in!

Safeguarding Officer: Matushka Annis. Tel: 01522.533850.Emergency Number: 0303 003 11 11

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NOTES:

Extra Services after Sunday Liturgy.Requests for Memorial Services, Phanouropita, Artoklasia, Cakes honouring Saint Aethelheard, Anointing of the sick or any other special needs must be sent in advance to the Parish Priest by Saturday at the latest. Preferably by text or email.

Shoe Boxes.Many thanks to those who donated shoe boxes filled with good things as Christmass gifts to be sent to some of the poorest people in Eastern Europe. Thank you.

Food Bank.It is not only in Eastern Europe that there are people down at the bottom of the ladder and in urgent need of help. Your donations to the local Food Bank are helping your neighbours in need right here in Louth. When you go to the shops to buy food please buy something extra and bring it to church with you and leave it in the Box provided. It is so easy to help and it can make such a difference to someone hungry and in a crisis. One day it could be you!

New Website.Our new website is up and running thanks to the expertise and understanding of our Orthodox webmaster, Mr Chad Lyon. The website will be regularly updated and new content displayed, so do check it out often.You can do your bit to spread the word by recommending our website to your friends and family. Pass it on!

louthorthodox.ukConfession before Christmass.Saturday 21st December 10am to 2.30pm.Tuesday 24th December after 12 noon Service.

Safeguarding Officer: Matushka Annis. Tel: 01522.533850.Emergency Number: 0303 003 11 11

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CALENDAR FOR DECEMBERSeason of Advent & the Nativity of Our Lord.Bring and Share breakfast after each Liturgy.

FASTING FOOD ONLY IN ADVENT.

1st SUNDAY 24 of PENTECOST. Fish, wine & oil allowed.10am Prayer of the Hours.10.30am Divine Liturgy.

8th SUNDAY 25 of PENTECOST. Fish, wine & oil allowed.10am Prayer of the Hours.10.30am Divine Liturgy.Church Council Meeting after Liturgy.

15th SUNDAY 26 of PENTECOST. Wine & oil allowed.10am Prayer of the Hours.10.30am Divine Liturgy.

21st Saturday before the Nativity.Confession before Christmass. Priest in church to hear confession10am to 2.30pm.

22nd SUNDAY BEFORE THE NATIVITY. Wine & oil allowed.10am Prayer of the Hours.10.30am Divine Liturgy.

24th Tuesday. EVE OF THE NATIVITY. Last day of the Fast.12 noon Great Vespers of the Nativity followed by carols,blessing of gifts, mince pies and hot drinks.Priest available for Confession after the Service.

25th Wednesday. NATIVITY of OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.10am Prayer of the Hours.10.30am Divine Liturgy.

29th SUNDAY AFTER THE NATIVITY.10am Prayer of the Hours.10.30am Divine Liturgy.

Safeguarding Officer: Matushka Annis. Tel: 01522.533850.Emergency Number: 0303 003 11 11