Nativity

Tuesday 6th January 2026 a.d.

Good Shepherd Chapel, Abbotsford Victoria

The sound of bells carried throughout Abbotsford as the faithful gathered, welcomed into the chapel by the gentle swell of the organ. The high altar glowed in the soft light of twelve candles, where the Nativity scene shimmered with quiet splendour. Wreaths and delicate white decorations framed the sanctuary, touched with hints of crimson, while lights of white and gold reflected the joy, purity, and promise of the feast.

The liturgy opened with O Come, All Ye Faithful. As the hymn was sung, the clergy entered and Metropolitan Raffaele reverently carried the infant Christ and laid Him in the manger upon the altar.

Turning to the people, Metropolitan Raffaele welcomed all who had gathered and shared a story of Epihania, a shoemaker whose life had grown cold with grief after the death of her husband. When the Wise Men passed by and asked for shelter, she reluctantly welcomed them and, in a quiet act of generosity, gave them shoes she had made for her husband, as a gift for the baby Jesus. Years later, a young man returned wearing those very same shoes. In recognising them, Epihania’s heart was healed and made whole again. Through love freely given, she herself was restored. So too, we are healed and mended by Christ.

We then joined in the Common Prayer, followed by the Kyrie and Gloria, sung by Metropolitan Raffaele as incense was offered around the altar three times, rising like prayer before God.

Father Matthew led us in prayer before Father Mark read from the Letter to the Hebrews, speaking of Christ’s glory and His place at the right hand of the Father. The Prokiminon was sung with joyful Alleluia, preparing us for the Gospel.

The Gospel was carried among the people as we sang Gaudete. Father Matthew proclaimed from St Matthew the story of the Magi who followed the star from the East. They sought the newborn King, offered Him their gifts, and, warned in a dream, returned home by another route.

In his homily, Metropolitan Raffaele reflected on the humble symbol of the Christmas stocking. Originally hung by the fire to warm and dry, it became a sign of expectation. Our feet enter them, he explained, just as Christ entered our humanity—fully God and fully man. The gifts within symbolise the abundance of grace He brings.

This led to the story of Saint Nicholas of Myra, a man marked by God, filled with the living Spirit. At his baptism, Nicholas rose above the waters, glowing with divine light. His life bore fruit in secret acts of mercy—especially toward a poor single father with three daughters and no dowry. Under cover of night, Nicholas placed gold coins into their stockings, saving the family from hunger and despair. When discovered, he begged that his generosity remain hidden. God, Metropolitan Raffaele reminded us, hears the cries of the poor, and goodness unites rather than divides. Salvation is not merely rescue—it is the restoration of wholeness.

He reminded us that as we prepare the manger of our hearts, we are called to love quietly, to give freely, and to live the Gospel not only in words, but in deeds.

The liturgy continued as the gifts were prepared and brought to the altar while O Come, O Come Emmanuel was sung.

The Creed was proclaimed, and the Sanctus lifted our voices heavenward as Father Matthew and Father Mark helped the Metropolitan prepare the holy gifts.

Through these prayers, the gifts were transfigured into the Body and Blood of Christ.

Then, Metropolitan Raffaele prayed especially for families who are struggling and suffering, entrusting them to the mercy of the newborn King. We honoured the Theotokos with the Hail Mary and sang Most Highly Favoured Lady, before praying the Our Father together.

As Communion was prepared, the Metropolitan reminded us that Christ must be proclaimed not only with our lips, but also through our actions.

The Agnus Dei was sung as the Lamb was placed into the chalice. The clergy received Communion, followed by the faithful, who approached with

reverence and gratitude.

After Communion, Metropolitan Raffaele spoke of veneration, reminding us that love greets love with a kiss. Christ, he said, is the nourishment of the Church—risen with healing in His wings. He recalled the story of Veronica (also known as Beatrice), who touched the hem of Christ’s garment and was made whole. We too come to Christ seeking healing, asking Him to touch our lives, clear our paths, and restore what is broken.

The thanksgiving hymn Tu Scendi was sung as the sacred gifts were returned to the altar.

Metropolitan Raffaele then spoke of the healing power of Theophany water and the care given by St Luke, reminding us that faith strengthens both body and spirit. The liturgy concluded with Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, followed by the veneration of the Christ Child.

A radiant organ solo from Father Mark and a gentle play of light brought the celebration to a close, leaving hearts lifted and spirits warmed—before the community gathered for agape, the chapel now filled with heat, laughter, and joy.

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