Eve of the Nativity of Christ; The Holy Venerable-Martyr Eugenia.
Nativity Fast. According to the Typikon, the Divine Liturgy is not served today. Strict Fast. Abstention from meat and eggs (and, traditionally, dairy) and foods that contain these ingredients.
Divine Liturgy
Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 4: Bethlehem, make ready, for Eden has been opened for all.* Ephrathah, be alert, for the Tree of life has blossomed forth from the Virgin in the cave.* Her womb has become a spiritual paradise* wherein the divine Fruit was planted,* and if we eat of it we shall live and not die like Adam.* Christ is coming forth to bring back to life* the likeness that had been lost in the beginning.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Kontakion, Tone 3: Today, the Virgin is on her way to the cave* where she will give birth in a manner beyond understanding* to the Word who is in all eternity.* Rejoice, therefore, O universe, when you hear it heralded.* With the angels and the shepherds, glorify Him who chose to be seen as anew born babe* while remaining God in all eternity.