MAYFIELD - A flock of faithful gathered at a cathedral in Mayfield on Sunday to celebrate what would seem to many to be a belated Christmas Eve.
According to Orthodox Christians' Julian calendar, today is Christmas. And on Sunday - Christmas Eve - parishioners at St. John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Mayfield gathered for a day of elaborate ceremonies.
The Rev. John Sorochka said his flock of about 800 marked Christmas Eve with a special Holy Supper of 12 foods representing the 12 apostles, but meats, milk and other animal-derived foods are avoided. Some straw is placed under the tablecloth, a candle is lit, and other symbolic fixtures are put in place.
The evening service included a blessing of the bread, wheat, wine and oil - all of which represent the staff of life - and the veneration of the Icon of the Nativity. The coming of Jesus Christ is viewed as the fulfillment of the prophet Isaiah, the Rev. Sorochka said. One of the refrains during the service is "God is with us."
After Christmas Eve service, the Orthodox observe a strict fast until receiving Holy Communion on Christmas Day. After that, other food restrictions are lifted and most families dine on traditional favorites such as ham and kielbasa.
The Feast of the Nativity of Christ and the traditions of food, family and faith bring both comfort and sadness to Irene Coggins of Carbondale, who attended Sunday's services at St. John the Baptist.
"It's all about family, love and tradition," she said, adding that the holidays remind her of the older generations of her family that have passed away.
Contact the writer: dfalchek@timesshamrock.com