Eve of the Nativity of Christ; Holy Venerable-Martyr Eugenia
Nativity Fast. Strict Fast. Abstention from meat and dairy and foods that contain these ingredients. According to liturgical prescriptions, the Divine Liturgy is not celebrated today.
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
Bethlehem, make ready, for Eden has been opened for all. Ephrathah, be alert, for the Tree of life has blossomed forth from the Virgin in the cave. Her womb has become a spiritual paradise wherein the divine Fruit was planted, and if we eat of it we shall live and not die like Adam. Christ is coming forth to bring back to life the likeness that had been lost in the beginning.
O You Who are most perfect, you bear the guide of Adam in the image of God; You Who hide all things in Your hands by Your power desire to be held by human hands. The pure and most immaculate one proclaimed, saying: “How can I wrap You in swaddling-bands as a babe; how can I feed You at my breasts Who sustain all things? How can I marvel at Your poverty which is past understanding? How can I call You my Son, who am now Your handmaid? I hymn and bless You, Who bestow great mercy upon the world!”
Behold, the time of our salvation has drawn nigh! Prepare yourself, O cave: the Virgin approaches to give birth! O Bethlehem; O land of Judah, adorn yourself and be glad, for our Lord has shone forth from you! Hearken, you mountains and hills, and you, lands of Judea round about: for Christ comes, that He might save man whom He had created, in that He loves mankind!
Hold festival, O Sion! Be glad, O Jerusalem, O city of Christ God! Receive your Creator, Who is contained by the cave and the manger! Open your gates unto me, and, entering therein, I shall behold as an infant wrapped in swaddling-bands Him Who holds creation in the palm of His hand, Whom the angels hymn with unceasing voices: the Lord and Bestower of life, Who saves our race!