Byzantine “Advent”

I recommend the rest of the piece for some tips on how the Fast might best be observed as a way of preparing ourselves and the world for the Incarnation of our Lord so that we might glory in His presence all the more joyfully (would that I did even a quarter of what the good father recommends!).

If I’ve exposed even a couple readers to a new way of celebrating the coming of the Lord, I am happy. Seeing so much about Latin Advent had me wanting to share the tradition I’ve made my own (and continue, fitfully, to take baby steps into). Our traditions were too long not allowed to stand on their own, and so now some of us wish to show them open-heartedly to others. I hope and pray that we might all have a blessed and joyous season, ready, soon enough, and with purified souls, to cry out: Christos Razdajestsja!

I will leave you with the words of Fr. Roman Planchak:

Many see this Fast as essential for us at this time of the year, to shift our focus from ourselves to others, spending less time worrying about our appearance, our cuisine and our home decor in order to use our time in increased prayer and caring for the poor.

The Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch, John X, emphasized the Nativity as the “feast of almsgiving” in which we celebrate and perpetuate Christ’s love for mankind. “The Nativity of Christ is primarily the feast of divine dispensation – the feast of charity and of almsgiving…  Through acts of mercy, extended to one another and to everyone, no matter what race we belong to, we implore the tender mercies of the divine Child, whose springs of mercies and bounties we will never be able to surpass.  As the pious Augustine says, “the lamp of our love toward our neighbors causes the divine compassion to abide in this creation.”

Pre-Nativity Hymns from the Menaion
Isaiah, dance for joy: receive the word of God. Prophesy to the Virgin Mary that the bush burning with fire will not be consumed by the radiance of our God. Let Bethlehem be prepared! Let the gates of Eden be opened! Let the Magi come forth to see wrapped in swaddling clothes in a manger of beasts the salvation which the star has pointed out from above the cave, the life-giving Lord, who saves mankind! (Vespers, Nov 30)

Bethlehem, receive Mary, the City of God: in you will be born the Light that never sets. Let the angels stand in wonder in Heaven, and let mankind glorify the Lord on earth! O Magi from Persia, prepare your illustrious gifts! Shepherds, who pass the night in the fields, sing a hymn to the thrice-holy God. Let everything that has breath celebrate the Creator of All. (Matins, Nov 30)

O Sion, be happy! Rejoice, O Jerusalem, the city of Christ our God! Welcome the Creator who rests in a manger in the cave. Open your gates, O Jerusalem, and I will enter so that I may see Him who holds all creation in His hand, even though He lies in a manger wrapped in swaddling clothes. The angels ever praise this life-giving Lord, Who is the only Savior of mankind. (Vespers, Dec 6)