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iEcclesia Season III Episode 59: Christmas: From Fasting to Feasting
iEcclesia ...From Canada to the World
CHRIST IS BORN! GLORIFY HIM!
May the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, grant us all peace, prosperity and every blessing from Above!
Program Information
Our fifty-ninth broadcast features host Patricia Rakopoulos and guest Rev. Fr. Peter Avgeropoulos as they discuss Christmas; some misconceptions answered, as well as how to prepare for this Great Feast of the Orthodox Christian calendar.
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Episode Summary
With the beginning of the Christmas Fast on November 15th, Orthodox Christians worldwide began their journey to Christmas, one of the greatest feasts of the Orthodox Christian calendar. More than just a time to celebrate with family and friends, it is a time when the Church family unites their thanksgiving to God for the gift of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Yet, there are things we still don’t know about this Feast - misconceptions about fasting, the services and even the "drive-thru phenomenon" which is visible in so many parishes and communities. This podcast will answer these questions and more as we sit down to discuss Christmas: From Fasting to Feasting. The program begins nearing the end of Advent – one week before the Great Feast. Our guest tells us a bit about Advent (the Christmas Fast) and puts to rest some misconceptions such as when does the fast begin, what food to fast from and guidelines for fasting as well as the Sacrament of confessions and philanthropy. During Ηoly Week, the Church celebrates many services for its faithful. Yet, during Christmas, many faithful merely come for the December 24th or 25th Divine Liturgy of Christmas and yet there are so many services associated with Christmas. Fr. Peter discusses ad gives us some insight into these services. Next, Host Patricia asks how the Church celebrates Christmas aside from the services. In the past, Christmas was associated with Epiphany. Fr. Peter tells us a bit about the connection. The program continues with a trend (in Canada at least) to commune outside of the Divine Liturgy. Some call it the “drive-through phenomenon”. our guest addresses this issue; its history and what the faithful should do. The program concludes with final thoughts.
Guest Information
Rev. Fr. Peter Avgeropoulos
- Parish Priest, Annunciation of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Cathedral (Toronto, Ontario) - Director, Inter-Church Relations (Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Toronto) - Professor of Patrology (Toronto Orthodox Theological Academy)
Patricia Rakopoulos
- President, Metropolis Youth Board - Former Youth Director, Annunciation of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Cathedral (Toronto, Ontario) - Currently studying at the University of Ottawa
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Broadcast
date: Friday
December 18th, 2009
