Forefeast of Theophany (Friday, January 5, 2007: 9:00am Orthros/10:00am Divine Liturgy)
Following the Divine Liturgy, the first Sanctification of the Waters will be celebrated. The Holy Water blessed at this service may be used to bless your homes, automobiles, and other objects and should be kept at your home altar during the year for personal blessing and sanctification. Please note that January 5th is a day of strict fasting in preparation for Epiphany on January 6th.

Theophany of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
(Saturday, January 6, 2007: 9:00am Orthros/10:00am Divine Liturgy) The second and Great Sanctification of the Waters will be celebrated following this Divine Liturgy. We should observe the Fast on January 5th in order to drink of these sanctified waters. In order to partake of these waters we are to abstain from food and drink on the morning of the Divine Liturgy.

HOLY TRINITY VASILOPITA BRUNCH Showing philanthropic love for others, most especially for those in need, St. Basil the Great (4th C.) would distribute loaves of sweet bread baked with a valuable coin inside. Those who received this Basil’s Bread (Vasilopita) were truly blessed. Over the centuries the blessing, cutting and distribution of the Vasilopita has become a beloved tradition of our faith and culture. Immediately following the celebration of the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, January 7, 2007, the new Parish Council will receive the Oath of Office, a service of blessing of the Vasilopita will be offered in the Fellowship Hall, after which representatives of the various parish organizations will be invited forward to receive a piece of the blessed Vassilopita. There will be individual Vasilopitas on each table for family and friends to enjoy and a sepcial offering will be taken for a special project at St. Basil Academy in New York. This important instution of our Archdiocese has helped many children over the years in the spirit of St. Basil.At the conclusion of these recognitions all parishioners will be invited to join in the singing of the New Year’s (Kalanda) Carols. Won’t you start the new year off in a blessed way by joining in this years Vasilopita festivities?

PREMARITAL SEMINAR As a prerequisite for marriage in the Metropolis of San Francisco, couples petitioning to marry in the Church are required to successfully complete premarital counseling at the parish in which they are to be married. A premarital seminar led by Fr. Michael will be held in the Conference room of the Church Fellowship Hall at 7:00pm on Thursday, January 18, 2007. In addition to the course of study, this important initial session will review a checklist of key expectations of the church needing to be addressed prior to the wedding as well as protocols for the wedding day.

HISTORICAL SOCIETY BRUNCH Thanks to the inspired initiative of Chairperson Mary Chicos, a brunch will be served immediately after the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, January 21, 2007, to raise funds for Holy Trinity Historical Society’s continued efforts to preserve and exhibit photographs and artifacts of our parish’s historic past. All are invited and encouraged to attend!

ROAD TO ORTHODOXY SERIES Holy Trinity’s Road to Orthodoxy seminar is an excellent opportunity for those interested in enriching their understanding of Orthodox Christianity, as well as for those contemplating converting to the faith, to gather once a week on Monday evenings from 7:00 pm-9:00 pm for eight weeks of basic instruction. These classes, along with spiritual direction are offered as a prerequisite to Adult Baptism and/or Chrismation. Orthodox fiancees/spouses are encouraged to join their partners in these classes. A fee of $10.00, to cover the cost of the text, is the only required expense. The next series will begin Monday, January 29, 2007.