Preparations for Christmas Make for a Busy Advent

East Meadow, NY – Members of Holy Trinity Orthodox Church here have been very busy this Advent with a number of special and on-going activities related to the Nativity of Jesus Christ, and helping others.

Among the events are preparations for the parish’s 53rd annual Christmas program on Sunday, December 12. The program, entitled “A Living Icon of the Lord’s Nativity,” included scripture readings, hymns, a large format “puzzle” icon, and kids acting out the Nativity story.

Holy Trinity has a long-standing tradition of presenting Christmas programs and pageants and many of the children in today’s program are sons and daughters of previous pageant participants. The program incorporated a number of new elements in contrast to previous years courtesy a new script based The Biggest Birthday Party: An Advent Calendar for the Orthodox Family, written by John Boojamra.

“It was really great to hear so many of those in attendance joining in to sing not only Joy to the World, but also during the Nativity troparion,” said Micki Leccese, Church School Association president.

The day’s activities began with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy by Father Martin, followed by a festive Lenten meal prepared by the parish’s sisterhood. Then the lights were dimed and the program began. At the conclusion of the program, Santa Claus arrived for another popular Holy Trinity tradition – Santa received gifts from the children.

Our church school classes have been focusing on the birth of our Savior, and learning about what it means to live as Christians,” said Father Martin Kraus, rector, “The children discovered a lot about Christmas putting together this program, and I saw the anticipation for Christmas grew a lot stronger today!”

Photos from the Advent activities
and events

Complete schedule of events