Introduction

The Paramoun of the Nativity is prayed in the annual rite. From the glorious Feast of the Nativity to the Feast of the Circumcision, the prayers are in a joyful tune; from 7 Tobe to 10 Tobe, the prayers are in the annual tune; from 11 Tobe (which is the Feast of the Epiphany) to 13 Tobe (which is the Feast of Cana of Galilee), the prayers are in a joyful tune. The rest of the prayers during the month of Tobe are in the annual tune.

It is worth noting that if the Feast of the Nativity falls on 28 Kiahk, and is on either a Tuesday or a Thursday, the 29 Kiahk remains a fasting day, since it will fall on a Wednesday or Friday. As for the Paramoun, the fast is a complete fast, where fish and other sea-foods are not eaten. The Paramoun is observed for two days if the feast is on a Saturday, and three days if the feast is on a Sunday – apart from these exceptions, the Paramoun is observed for only one day. The reasoning for this rite lies in the fact that there is no complete abstinence on Saturdays and Sundays, so the day before Saturday is a Paramoun. In this case, sea-foods are not eaten on the Paramoun Saturdays and Sundays. The order of the prayers during the Paramoun of the glorious Feast of the Nativity, is as follows:

Rite

In the Vespers and Prime Offering of Incense, the Verses of the Cymbals and the Doxology specific to the Paramoun of the Nativity are chanted. After the Gospel reading, the Gospel Response of Vespers and Prime of the Paramoun are chanted, and in the conclusion of the prayer, the Concluding Canon specific to the glorious Feast of the Nativity is chanted.

As for the Divine Liturgy of the Paramoun of the glorious Feast of the Nativity, it is prayed in its usual way, as during the annual days, with few exceptions: the Praxis Response for the Paramoun is chanted, the Synaxarium of the day is read, the Gospel Response for the Liturgy of the Paramoun is chanted, and the Adam Espasmos specific to the Paramoun is chanted. The priest prays the Fraction of the glorious Feast of the Nativity. During communion, Psalm 150 is chanted, followed by the hymn Ic;ermegi . In the conclusion of the prayer, the Concluding Canon of the glorious Feast of the Nativity is chanted.

Source

Mikhail, Deacon Albair Gamal, The Essentials in the Deacon’s Service, (Shobra, Egypt: Shikolani, 2002), p. 241. Translated from Arabic by Bishoy Kamal Rofail, edited by Mena Rizkalla.