CHICAGO, IL [DOM Communications] – “Christ is born!” was heard throughout the cathedral on the 24 and 25 of December as His Eminence Archbishop Paul, and the faithful of his diocesan cathedral, Holy Trinity Cathedral, gathered to remember the Lord’s Nativity.
On Friday evening, His Eminence lead the appointed Great Compline and Matins services. During the Matins service, the appointed gospel reading from the Evangelist Matthew recalling the events of the birth of Jesus Christ. Following this good news, the faithful were anointed with the blessed oil for their continued strength. At the conclusion of the evening service, His Eminence offered a few teachings on the feast and encouraged those gathered to enjoy and embrace this feast.
The following day, the great feast of the Incarnation of our Lord, Jesus Christ, Archbishop Paul entered his cathedral with the ringing of the bells and was greeted by Cathedral Dean, Priest Alexander Koranda, Protodeacon Thomas Keith, and Deacon Paul Garklavs. After the reciting of his entrance prayers and vesting, His Eminence gave the blessing for the Divine Liturgy to begin. The festal antiphons appointed for the Nativity were sung by the choir directed by Ms. Olga Garklavs.
At the conclusion of the service, His Eminence congratulated those gathered for the feast. Fr. Alexander offered greetings and congratulatory remarks on behalf of the cathedral faithful to His Eminence. Christmas Carols were joyfully sung after the reading of the Thanksgiving Prayers.
A warm meal was served for the those in need from “Cathedral’s Kitchen”, the weekly homeless ministry of the Diocesan Cathedral.
