Chaplain's Corner 

Come, believers, let us see the place where Christ has been born. (Kathisma 1: Mode 4)

As we journey towards Bethlehem with the Wise Men we need to think about what we need in order to receive the King. Whist many of us will be frantically running to Chadstone to purchase gifts or plan elaborate menus to feed our guests; we have to take a moment to pause and reflect on what the mystery of the incarnation means and how do we take time to prepare our soul to receive Christ. Let us use the fast to cultivate;

• Prayer 

Prayer is communication with God. Not only should we pray when we need help in our daily lives, but we should pray to thank and glorify God for the many blessings He has given us. During the Nativity Fast, we should especially reflect on the gift of eternal life made possible by the birth of Jesus Christ.

• Repentance 

Repentance is the conscious effort to change our lives and to turn from those things which create barriers between us, God, and others. During the Nativity Fast we are offered the opportunity to devote time to self-reflection, to reassess our relationships with God and others, and to be reconciled and reunited with those from whom we’ve grown apart. Our thoughts should turn to the miracle of God’s love and forgiveness which Jesus Christ proclaims and to the new life He offers.

• Fasting 

When we fast, we should not only avoid certain foods and entertainments, but we should also avoid anything and everything which tends to control us. Fasting is doing without those things which are not essential for our lives. It enables us to gain power once again of those things which too often dominate us.

• Reading Scripture 

The Holy Bible is the word of God which reveals Jesus Christ, the Living Word. Because it records the story of God’s plan for the salvation of His People, the Bible is essential reading for Christians. The Nativity Fast provides an ideal opportunity to read and study the Bible on a daily basis. Take time to read and reflect on the following prophecies concerning the coming of the Savior:

Isaiah 7:14, 15; 9:1-5; 61:1-3 

Daniel 9:25

Micah 5:2, 3

Malachi 3:1

• Helping Others 

While we fast and repent, it is equally important to share our time, our talent, and our treasures with those around us, especially those who are poor, needy, hungry, or lonely. By being born as a little child in Bethlehem, Jesus Christ shares His love with us; by reaching out to others, we in turn share His love with others.

Brothers and Sisters and beloved children, let us practice these things so that we may see and receive Christ. 

I hope to see you all at our Carols by Candelight on Friday December 22 and Christmas Service commencing at 10pm on Christmas Eve and concluding at 1am on Christmas Day.

I convey to you and your families the love, prayers and best wishes for Christmas and the New Year from our Archbishop Makarios and Bishops and my personal wishes. 

With Love in Christ who will be born,

Rev. Fr Stavros Kakavas 

School Chaplian and Parish Priest of Sts Anargiri