Happy new year!

May it be blessed.

S' Pradznikom! A blessed and joyous feast to you all!

Today the Virgin gives birth to the Transcendent One,

And the earth offers a cave to the Unapproachable One!

Angels with shepherds glorify Him!

The wise men journey with a star!

Since for our sake the Eternal God was born as a Little Child!

Christ is Born!  Glorify Him!

Meet...

Albus (on the left) and Minerva (Minnie for short)

Bilbo (Papa's new sidekick)

Lupin

Merry Christmas girls...

This moment

The feast draws nigh...

8/52

Zoe:  Answering the door and explaining to Rick James why she can't come out to play right now.  Yes, they do peck on the door until she comes out and plays with them and yes she named her favorite bird with a mohawk Rick James.

Katya and Thea:  Serious elving has begun round these parts.  

Papa:  Expressing his Papa-ness.  

This moment

St. Herman of Alaska

O blessed Father Herman of Alaska, 

North star of Christ’s holy Church, 

The light of your holy life and great deeds 

Guides those who follow the Orthodox way. 

Together we lift high the Holy Cross 

You planted firmly in America. 

Let all behold and glorify Jesus Christ, 

Singing his holy Resurrection.

7/52

Papa:  Enjoying the cooler weather.

Zoe:  Not enjoying the cooler weather.  (Actually, she has loved the snow and ice.)

Katya:  Warming her hands.

Thea:  Sewing her first skirt.

This moment

S pradznikom!

In truth you were revealed to your flock as a rule of faith,
An image of humility and a teacher of abstinence;
Your humility exalted you; your poverty enriched you.
Hierarch Father Nicholas, Entreat Christ our God
That our souls may be saved.

A joyous feast of St. Nicholas to you all!