On Sunday, December 11, at  at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Bethlehem, PA, the fifth candle of the Advent Season was lit by Sophia, with the help of her mother, Lori Lezinsky (Matthew is her father).  The scriptural readings were done by Karen Gowarty. The fifth candle is purple to signify repentance, and reminds us of our need to repent before we can meet the coming Christ, “Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand”. The congregation and choir, directed by Reader/Choir Director Nick Lezinsky (Sophia’s grandfather), ended the lighting ceremony by singing, “O Come All Ye Faithful”.
Sunday School also sponsored a “Giving Tree”.  This Community Outreach Project responded to requests for gifts from individuals in our community.  Members in our congregation took tags from the tree and bought requested items, which will be wrapped and given back to the people for Christmas.