Happy St. Nicholas Day!

The parish kids all received some chocolate coins yesterday after church, as did our own kids in their shoes this morning. We won't actually get a chance to celebrate a St. Nicholas Divine Service until Wednesday (transferred, obviously) - here are the propers from Daily Divine Service Book.

 Nicholas of Myra, Bishop, Confessor 

December 6

Double- White Vestments – Saints’ Preface

Beginning of the Divine Service: Turn to (A) Divine Service p. 394

(B) Introit

Antiphon:

The Lord made to him a covenant of peace and made him a prince; that the dignity of priesthood should be to him forever. (Sirach 45: 30)

Psalm:

LORD, remémber Dávid, * and áll his afflictions.

Glory be to the Fáther and tó the Son * and tó the Hóly Ghost.

As it was in the beginning, is now, and éver sháll be, * wórld without énd. Amen. (Psalm 132: 1)

Turn to (C) Kyrie p. 396

(D) Collect of the Day

Grant, we beseech Thee, O Almìghty God: that the solemn feast of Blessed Nicholas, Thy Confessor and Bishop, may both increase our devotion and further our salvation through the reception of your gràce; through Jesus Christ oùr Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Hòly Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

(F) Gradual

I have found Dávid my sérvant; * with my holy oil have Í anóinted him:

With whom my hand shall bé estáblished: * mine arm álso shall stréngthen him.

The enemy shall not exáct upón him; * nor the son of wickednéss afflíct him. (Psalm 89: 20-22) 

(G) The Epistle Lesson: Hebrews 13: 7-17a

Brethren: Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. 8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. 9 Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein. 10 We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle. 11 For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. 12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. 13 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. 14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. 15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. 16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. 17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account. 

(H) The Verse

Állelúia.*Állelúia.

The righteous shall flourish líke the pálm tree: * he shall grow like a cédar in Lébanon.

(Psalm 92: 12)

Turn to (I) Gospel Preparation p. 397

(J) The Holy Gospel: Luke 14: 26-33

If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. 27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. 28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? 29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, 30 Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. 31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? 32 Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. 33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.