Those who follow the Julian calendar are observing Christmas Day tomorrow.
Perhaps best known among this group (at least to some of us in this part of the world) are Ukrainian Catholics. Thus it was that I was invited, along with a number of my confreres to attend the annual Christmas Eve liturgy celebrated at the local Ukrainian Catholic church.
The liturgy began at 8:00 pm tonight with the recitation of Compline (Night Prayer) and immediately followed by the celebration of the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom. This was not the first time that I was present for Christmas celebrations with our Ukrainian Catholic neighbours, but it was the first time that we (Roman clergy) were invited to partake by singing parts of the litanies.
Over the past few years, relations between the Roman and Ukrainian Catholic clergy in this part of the world have been growing, and opportunities to share our liturgies are rare moments to celebrate the diversity that is found in the Church even despite the many differences we also face (including for starters the particulars of the liturgies we celebrate, to say nothing of the languages that are used).
In a world where modern technology, communication tools and just plain apathy often drive individuals away from the traditional observances of faith, this little community is a fresh and vibrant sign to the city that faith, tradition and culture are indeed important to many.
We are thankful for the opportunity to partake in these Christmas celebrations, and look forward to the upcoming observance of the Theophany which will take place this year on January 18.
I agree that celebrating diversity in the church is important. And one of the things I love about being half Ukrainian is that there is a strong sense of tradition and faith.
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