THE DEPARTMENT OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION IS GOING GREEK JUST IN TIME FOR THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

In the spirit of giving, the Department of Religious Education (DRE) of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is pleased to announce the launch of the 2nd Greek Edition of its renowned Sermon Series. The DRE is kicking off its Nativity Sermon Series this year in Greek.

To get you into the Christmas spirit, easy-to-download sermons based on a central hymn for the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ are now available in Greek and English:

 

· GREEK EDITION: www.goarch.org/departments/religioused/sermons

· ENGLISH EDITION: www.goarch.org/departments/religioused/sermons

 

→ BUT HAVEN’T THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS PASSED?

This Nativity Sermon Series of 13 sermons is based on a central hymn of each day. Traditionally, we consider the “12 days of Christmas” (in Greek, δωδεκαήμερο), which starts the day after December 25 and ends with the feast of Epiphany on January 6, as one liturgical period of the celebration of Theophany (a visible manifestation of God to humankind). God is born in Bethlehem to save humanity. He is baptized in the Jordan River to reveal Himself to us and reunite us with Him.

→ WHY READ THIS NATIVITY SERIES?

Clergy and religious educators can easily incorporate these mini-sermons during the Nativity Season. Students, parents, and the faithful can read these mini-sermons before church or as part of your daily spiritual readings. Each mini-sermon ranges from 500 to 600 words (3.5 to 4.5 minutes). While they might be mini, they are most definitely mighty. They provide insights and analyses about beautiful hymns that Orthodox Christians worldwide will chant together in the coming weeks in Greek.

 

→ AND WHY GREEK?

Greek is the language in which the Apostles wrote their letters. Greek is the language in which the Gospels were presented to the world. Greek is the language of the Seven Ecumenical Councils in which the Church made its decisions about what we believe. Greek is the language of the Church.

 

→ CAN I SUBSCRIBE OR FOLLOW?

Nativity Sermon Series will be released in Greek and English daily on the Department's website, and through the DRE email list, so be sure to subscribe, both at: religioused.goarch.org. The Series will also be posted daily on the Department’s social media accounts with breathtaking custom creative designs — Instagram, X, and Facebook: @goarchDRE

→ WHAT’S BEHIND THE COLORS?

The Nativity Sermon Series logo is red and white since they are the liturgical colors of this ecclesiastical period. Red, traditionally a royal color, reminds us that the Lord Jesus is the King of Kings. Similarly, white, the color of purity, brightness, and eternal life, is also used as a symbol of our Lord’s Divinity. God the Son is incarnated to be the Light of the World, to be the Sun of righteousness, and to bring the dawn of the Day that never ends. Therefore, red and white, royalty and eternal life, are embodied in the Birth of the Son of God.

Have questions? Kindly contact:

Department of Religious Education (DRE)

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America email: [email protected]

Instagram, X, Facebook: @goarchDRE Website & Subscribe: religioused.goarch.org