This is the time of year when I get even more confused than usual…
This past Friday was Saint Nicholas Day for the Slavic Eastern Orthodox Churches (like mine), but this coming Thursday is Christmas for Catholics, Greek and other non-Slavic Eastern Orthodox, and (I presume, most protestants and other Christians). Since Uruguay is a very secular place, I am not really sure what the official celebration will be on December 25th–though I have noticed that even the most die-hard atheists here seem to “get religion” any time there is a holiday they can celebrate…
So, for those of you who view December 25th as the modern day secular celebration of Sol Invictus or Saturnalia, before you leave, when the fireworks go off, please remember that you have my best wishes for whatever holiday or non-Holiday your are celebrating. Have a yerba maté on me…
To my Jewish friends, I wish you a Happy and Joyful Hanukkah.
And to my Christian, agnostic or otherwise neutral friends and readers, please accept my best wishes and prayers for the Happiest Christmas (on whichever date)!
“Your birth, O Christ our God has spread upon the world the Light of Knowledge. For through it, those who worshiped the stars have learned from a Star to worship You as the Sun of Justice and to recognize you as the Orient from on High. Glory be to thee, O Lord!
From the Christmas Tropar of the Orthodox Church
Thanks, David. I thoroughly enjoyed the midnight fireworks on December 24!
Left by Shirley on December 27th, 2008