Traditional Christmas Schedule at Holy Transfiguration

We are fortunate that the Russian Orthodox Church has held fast to the Church Calendar, as we now in Peoria have the opportunity to participate in the services of Nativity as they were originally set forth by our Christian fathers. 

Our preparation for Nativity began the day after American Thanksgiving with the beginning of the Nativity fast.  It continued with

• the Feast of the Entry of the Mother of God into the Temple in Jerusalem
• the commemorations of the Prophets Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah
• the celebration of St. Nicholas the Hierarch and Wonderworker of Myra and Lycia, and 
• the Conception of the Virgin Mary by her mother, St. Anna 

This Sunday (12/28 on the civil calendar) we begin our approach to Nativity celebrating the "Forefathers of Christ" - all in the Old Testament who participated in His future Incarnation - with our normal service schedule.

(The following Monday and Tuesday are the commemorations of the Prophet Haggai and the Prophet Daniel with the Three Youths)

Next Sunday, (the Sunday before Nativity, we commemorate the genealogy of Christ. 

Christmas Eve begins on Monday evening (Jan 5th on the civil calendar) with Vespers at 5PM, and continuing Tuesday morning with Royal Hours of Nativity at 8:30 AM.

Nativity will be celebrated Tuesday evening with Great Compline at 5PM, and Festal Hours and Typika at 8:30 AM on Wednesday morning. 

Please remember to refer to our calendar page for the latest schedule updates.