Royal Hours: Eve of the Nativity: 9:00 – 10:15am

Christmas Eve Royal Hours combines the prayers of the First, Third, Sixth, and Ninth Hours with special hymns, prophecies, and readings that prepare us for the Nativity of Christ. This meditative morning service helps us enter into the final hours of anticipation before celebrating Christ's birth.

Apolytikion of Eve of Nativity

As the fruit of David's seed, Mary was registered of old with the Elder Joseph in the little town of Bethlehem, when she conceived with a seedless and pure conception. Behold, the time was come that she should bear her Child, but no place was found within the inn for them; yet the cave proved a delightful palace for the pure Lady and Queen of all. For Christ is born now to raise the image that had fallen aforetime.

Kontakion of Eve of Nativity

On this day the Virgin cometh…