Father Paul shares with us today that Saint Gregory is one of only three saints who have the title Theologian. He lived a life of faith and was chosen Archbishop of Constantinople by the Second Ecumenical Council which assembled in that city in 381. He combated the Arians who had taken all the churches and was forced to serve in a house chapel dedicated to Saint Anastasia. From there he preached his famous five sermons on the Trinity, called the Triadica and when he left Constantinople after two years the Arians did not have one church left to them in the city.

Today in Orthodoxy we commemorate two great saints in the church. Father Ernesto shares with us that both were scholars and defenders of the Faith against heresies, while at the same time living Christ like lives under persecutions.

Today in Orthodoxy we commemorates one of the most revered saints in the church who is considered the father of all monks and this being Saint Anthony the Great. Father Paul shares with us that Saint Anthony lived his life adhering to the three pillars of spirituality, prayer fasting and alms giving.

Today in Orthodoxy we commemorate Saint John the Baptist who was called by Christ the greatest man to be born of a woman. Father Micah shares with us how Saint John brought many diverse things into communion. Saint John lived a strict ascetic life and preached a message of repentance to the people so that they might prepare for the coming of The Messiah. His greatness can be seen through his humility, saying " I must decrease and He must increase."

Today in Orthodoxy we celebrate the Major Feast Day of Epiphany. Father Micah shares with us a message about the significance of water in our lives. Water is symbolic of life, death, humility and it is also glorious. Jesus not only enters into the River Jordan, but into our lives to become like us except with out sin.

Father Micah shares with us today the beauty of how understanding the Old Testament can shed light on our understanding of the New Testament. The River Jordan the place of Jesus' Baptism is mentioned throughout the Bible. We are reminded today that as the waters reversed their course when Jesus entered the river, we too must change our minds about sin and heed the message of Saint John the Baptist for the Kingdom of God is at hand.

Today in we commemorate Saint Basil the Great, who is one of the most revered Saints in Orthodoxy. He is known for starting hospitals, hospices, monastic communities and wherever he saw a need he made sure it was met. Father Micah reminds us today we also commemorate the Circumcision of Our Lord and His naming. It is in the name of Jesus, Saint Basil and we too can gain power and strength to serve and accomplish His will.

Today, as is with most days in Orthodoxy, there is more than one Saint remembered. Father Ernesto shares with us the Saint Wencelas,t who is remembered more for a Christmas carol than for being a saint. The Protomartyr Saint Stephen shares a similar story with Wencelast as Father Ernesto points out in this sermon.

The readings leading up to the Nativity are important in Orthodoxy. Father Ernesto reflects on these readings and their significance. He helps to understand that in Jesus' lineage there were less than perfect people. God accepts us as we are and can take our imperfections shaping us into the people He wants us to be, caring the world and those around us.

On this Christmas Eve Father Paul shares with us a reminder of the true message of Christmas. The Archangel Gabriel reassures Joseph as he is confused about Mary's pregnancy. We too need reassurance because of the enormous worldly commercialism of Christmas.