07-01-2026, Ostend

Nativity of Christ in Ostend.

On the night of January 6-7, the parish of St. John the Theologian in Ostend celebrated the Nativity of our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ. Despite the weekdays, the church was full, and almost everyone partook of the Holy Mysteries, as His Holiness Patriarch Kirill calls for in his Nativity message. 

The Patriarch's message was read by the parish rector, Archpriest Gennady Katamasvili. He also offered a sermon on the Nativity of Theophan the Recluse for reflection.

Our choir, which continues to grow in both numbers and skill, was responsible for the prayerful atmosphere, and after the Liturgy, Father Gennady thanked the choirmaster, Mother Evdokia (Inga Katamasvili), for her labors in the choir.

After the Liturgy, the parishioners presented gifts to Father Gennady, who also celebrated the twentieth anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood on January 7th. He devoted almost all these years to the development and care of our parish. We sincerely wish our rector, Archpriest Gennady, and all his loved ones many blessed years!

The celebration continued with a small luncheon, Christmas carols sang in the various languages ​​of our multinational parish, and parishioners exchanged warm wishes and gifts. And, of course, as per tradition, on the first Sunday after Christmas, we also prepared a celebration for children—a Christmas tree with a performance, contests, games, and gifts.