Christ is Born! Let us glorify
Him with the animals, the
star, and all of creation! Let us
rejoice, for He is our salvation!

- "A Living Icon of the Nativity" program

. .Education / Annual Christmas Program

. .View a previous Christmas Program

For over 50 years, the youth and teens of our parish have presented a Christmas program on one of the Sundays in December to share the Nativity account - the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

At the conclusion of the play, in the spirit of St Nicholas, each child gives a gift to Santa. After receiving the gifts, Santa and the teens deliver the gifts to children who are in the Nassau University Medical Center Pediatric Ward.

To participate in this annual program, contact: churchschool@htocem.org

About the Christmas Program

Each year, the youth and teens of Holy Trinity Orthodox Church participate in the parish’s annual Christmas program. Since 2010, the program has been entitled “A Living Icon of the Lord’s Nativity,” including scripture readings, hymns, a large format “puzzle” icon, and the Nativity story presented by nearly 40 children and teens.

In reflecting on the program, Father Martin Kraus, rector, said, “Today’s program will be one of those moments at Holy Trinity which I will remember for a long time. The atmosphere of genuine Christian love and dedication to Jesus Christ through our Orthodox Faith was very apparent.”

Holy Trinity has a long-standing tradition of presenting Christmas programs and pageants and many of the children in today’s program are sons and daughters of previous pageant participants. The program incorporated a number of new elements in contrast to previous years courtesy a new script based The Biggest Birthday Party: An Advent Calendar for the Orthodox Family, written by John Boojamra.

The program featured the children presenting the Nativity account in 12 scenes using scripture quotes and narratives, while others placed ‘pieces’ of the Nativity icon into a poster-sized version. Other children in costumes then assembled to create a ‘living Nativity icon’ on stage. Liturgical hymns and traditional carols were interspersed with the texts, which were sung by everyone gathered.

“It was really great to hear so many of those in attendance joining in to sing not only Joy to the World, but also during the Nativity troparion,” said Micki Leccese, Church School Association president.

The day’s activities begin with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy by Father Martin, followed by a festive Lenten meal prepared by the parish’s sisterhood. Then the lights are dimmed and the program begins. At the conclusion of the program, Santa Claus arrives for another popular Holy Trinity tradition – Santa received gifts from the children.

“It’s an annual tradition at Holy Trinity for each family to bring a gift for presentation to Santa,” said Mrs. Leccese, adding, “He then brings the gifts, accompanied by some of our children, to the Nassau University Medical Center for distribution to children who are currently hospitalized.” This year, over 120 gifts were delivered.

“Our church school classes have been focusing on the birth of our Savior, and learning about what it means to live as Christians,” said Father Martin, “The children discovered a lot about Christmas putting together this program, and I saw their anticipation for Christmas grow a lot stronger today!”

Part I

Part II

Part III

Archive of past shows

• 2011 - Program
• 2010 - Program
• 2010 - Rehearsal
• 2009
• 2008
• 2007