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December 18-24

 

Saint of the day:
Sunday of the Fathers

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The Sunday of the Fathers is the Sunday before the Nativity of the Lord (December 18-24).

On this day the Church honors all those who were well-pleasing to God from all ages,

from Adam to St Joseph the Betrothed of the Most Holy Theotokos, those who are mentioned in the genealogy of Luke 3:23-38. (Orthodox)

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Sunday of the Fathers

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The Sunday of the Fathers is the Sunday before the Nativity of the Lord (December 18-24). On this day the Church honors all those who were well-pleasing to God from all ages, from Adam to St Joseph the Betrothed of the Most Holy Theotokos, those who are mentioned in the genealogy of Luke 3:23-38. The holy prophets and prophetesses are also remembered on this day, especially the Prophet Daniel and the three holy youths. The previous Sunday, the Sunday of the Forefathers, the Church commemorated all the righteous of the Old Testament who awaited the coming of Christ, this day remembers all those in the Old Testament who were related to Christ by blood and those who spoke of his birth as a man. This Sunday is part of the Forefeast of the Nativity, which strictly speaking begins on December 20.

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Prayer
 

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Hymns

 

Troparion (Tone 2)

Great are the accomplishments of faith, for the Three Holy Youths rejoiced in the flames as though at the waters of rest, and the prophet Daniel appeared, a shepherd to the lions as though they were sheep. So by their prayers, O Christ God, save our souls!

 

Kontakion (Tone 1)

For when the Sunday before the Nativity falls on December 20-24 Rejoice, Bethlehem! Prepare yourself, O Ephratha! The Lamb is on her way to give birth to the Chief Shepherd she carries in her womb. The God-bearing forefathers will rejoice, beholding Him, and with the shepherds, they will glorify the Virgin nursing Him.

 

Kontakion (Tone 6)

For when the Sunday before the Nativity falls on December 18-19 You did not worship the graven image, O thrice-blessed ones, but armed with the immaterial Essence of God, you were glorified in a trial by fire. From the midst of unbearable flames you called on God, crying: Hasten, O compassionate One! Speedily come to our aid, for You are merciful and able to do as You will.

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Recipe

 

 

 

The Very Best Neiman Marcus Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
Makes 8 cookies

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cupunsalted butterroom temperature

  • 1/2 cupgranulated sugar

  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar

  • 1 large egg

  • 2 teaspoonsvanilla extract

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1/2 teaspoonbaking powder

  • 1/2 teaspoonbaking soda

  • 1/2 teaspoonkosher salt

  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chunks

  • 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons instant espresso coffee powder
     

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.

  2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the butter and both sugars. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 1 minute.

  3. Add the egg and vanilla beating for an additional 30 seconds until well combined.

  4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the mixer while beating on low speed.

  5. Continue beating for 15 seconds or until the mixture is thoroughly combined.

  6. Fold in the chocolate and espresso powder.

  7. Place 1/4 cup mounds of cookie dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper about 3 inches apart and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cookies are browned around the edges. (You should be able to fit 3 cookies on a standard size sheet.)

  8. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely. Repeat with remaining dough.

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Buttery Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies

 

Ingredients

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  • 1 1/2 cups butter or margarine, softened 

  • 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar

  • 1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar

  • 1 tablespoon vanilla

  • 2 eggs 

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour

  • 2 teaspoons baking soda

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 package (24 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips (4 cups)

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Directions:

  1. Heat oven to 350ºF. Mix butter, sugars, vanilla and eggs in large bowl using spoon. Stir in flour, baking soda and salt. Stir in chocolate chips.

  2. Drop dough by rounded measuring tablespoonfuls about 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheet.

  3. Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until light brown. Cool slightly. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack; cool.

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