Today the Church rejoices in the continuation of the Christmas season and in veneration of All-Holy Mother of God, the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Today’s holy image is a contemporary Coptic Orthodox icon, used on the cover of the November/December news magazine of Saint Antony Coptic Orthodox Monastery, Yermo, California.

An ancient hymn, “Behold A Mystical Rose,” captures well the joyful spirit of this day, as we begin a new year:

“Behold the cause of our joy, who bore the infinite Child! All hail, O Gate of Heaven, through you Salvation came, all praised and blest be your name!”

Happy New Year 2025. Let us pray for peace on earth.

Abbot Christian and the monks