Synaxis of the Most Holy Theotokos

Life

On the second day of Christmas the Christian Church gives glory and praise to the Most Holy Mother of God, who gave birth to the Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ. Her Synaxis is the name of this celebration because on that day all the faithful gather to glorify her, the Mother and Birthgiver of God, and because the service is celebrated solemnly, in assembly, in her honor. In Ohrid from ancient times it was the custom that on the eve of the second day of Christmas, Vespers was only served at the Church of the Most-holy Theotokos called the Chieftain. All the clergy with the people there in assembly glorified the Most Pure Mother of God.

From the Hymn of Praise

The boundary between night and the sunny dayIs the dawn, ruddy, ruddy and dewy.Thou art the rosy dawn, O Virgin God-given,Precursor of the day, rosy and glorious;