Christmas may be behind us, but the mystery of God with us continues to steady and guide us as we begin turning our hearts toward Lent. The Incarnation changed how God speaks to us—no longer from a distance, but through His very presence—and that invitation to listen more deeply is still unfolding right now. As we enter this new season, Christ keeps widening our vision, softening our assumptions, and healing the places where fear or exhaustion have narrowed our sight. Even though this reflection is arriving later than I hoped, grace has a way of meeting us in real time, not perfect timing. So let us remember Christmas, and carry its light with us as we walk toward Lent.

Please enjoy this sermon given by Fr. Tom Tsagalakis from the Sunday before Epiphany on Sunday, January 4, 2026.

Welcome to the Holy Apostles Corner! The beautiful Nativity season invites us to return to what is most real and life‑giving. We’ll reflect on gratitude as the starting point of a transformed heart, the way trials grow patience and joy, and how shifting from FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) to a longing for Christ reshapes our desires. We’ll also look at the importance of guarding our God‑given identity in a world full of imitation and noise. Together, these themes call us to slow down, stay present with God, and rediscover the deep peace He offers as we prepare for his Birth!

This Advent Season we will have daily podcasts during the week with reflections and meditations read by our Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church community.

The reflections and meditations come from the book “Daily Meditations and prayers for the Christmas Advent Fast and Epiphany” by Presbytera Emily Harakas & Fr. Anthony Coniaris.

The episode art icon is from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese website: https://www.goarch.org/-/our-journey-to-bethlehem.

This Advent Season we will have daily podcasts during the week with reflections and meditations read by our Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church community.

The reflections and meditations come from the book “Daily Meditations and prayers for the Christmas Advent Fast and Epiphany” by Presbytera Emily Harakas & Fr. Anthony Coniaris.

The episode art icon is from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese website: https://www.goarch.org/-/our-journey-to-bethlehem.

This Advent Season we will have daily podcasts during the week with reflections and meditations read by our Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church community.

The reflections and meditations come from the book “Daily Meditations and prayers for the Christmas Advent Fast and Epiphany” by Presbytera Emily Harakas & Fr. Anthony Coniaris.

The episode art icon is from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese website: https://www.goarch.org/-/our-journey-to-bethlehem.

This Advent Season we will have daily podcasts during the week with reflections and meditations read by our Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church community.

The reflections and meditations come from the book “Daily Meditations and prayers for the Christmas Advent Fast and Epiphany” by Presbytera Emily Harakas & Fr. Anthony Coniaris.

The episode art icon is from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese website: https://www.goarch.org/-/our-journey-to-bethlehem.

This Advent Season we will have daily podcasts during the week with reflections and meditations read by our Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church community.

The reflections and meditations come from the book “Daily Meditations and prayers for the Christmas Advent Fast and Epiphany” by Presbytera Emily Harakas & Fr. Anthony Coniaris.

The episode art icon is from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese website: https://www.goarch.org/-/our-journey-to-bethlehem.