The homily discusses the beginning of the advent season, focusing on the Gospel narrative of the angel Gabriel appearing to the priest Zachariah. It highlights that Zachariah and his wife Elizabeth were childless, which was considered a disgrace at the time.

The speaker reflects on several points:

• Faithfulness in Disgrace: Despite being seen as disgraceful by their people, Zachariah and Elizabeth persevered in their faith.
• Zachariah's Doubt: When the angel brings the "good news," Zachariah is doubtful because he and his wife are old. This doubt leads to him being punished.
• The Nature of the Blessing: The sermon questions the nature of this blessing. While Elizabeth's disgrace was taken away, the child, John the Baptist, would grow up to live a difficult prophetic life. The speaker asks if we would truly want a son like John the Baptist or Jesus, given the hardships they faced.
• Our Calling: The homily concludes by connecting this to our own lives. As disciples, we are also called, like John the Baptist, to prepare the way for the Lord. This is not an easy task, but it is about what God wants for us. As we approach Christmas, we are encouraged to think beyond the material aspects and focus on bringing Jesus into our lives and the lives of others.

This episode explores the powerful theme of finding "Grace from Disgrace." Drawing inspiration from the Gospel story of Zachariah and Elizabeth, it contrasts how they were seen as "righteous" in God's eyes, even while their community saw them as a "disgrace."

This message offers two central points for reflection:

• Whose judgment matters? It challenges us to consider if we are more worried about what other people think or what God thinks, reminding us that people's judgments can be wrong.
• Are we judging others? We are asked to reflect on whether our own words or actions make others feel judged, and instead focus on building people up.

This is a comforting reminder of God's unconditional love—that His mercy is greater than our failings, and that He sees grace where the world sees disgrace.

On the Sunday of the Annunciation to the Mother of God, we reflect on one of the most transformative moments in human history—Mary’s yes.

In this homily, His Grace Mar Nicholovos explores:

• Why God chose Nazareth—a place on the margins

• How Mary, a young Jewish girl, carried multiple layers of social oppression

• Why her response to the angel was not merely a surrender but also a courageous act of rebellion

• The contrast between Zechariah’s doubt and Mary’s faithful questioning

• How the Incarnation is the moment when the Creator enters creation, changing history forever

Mary’s "yes" is both humble obedience and bold defiance—choosing God’s will over every earthly limitation. Her faith challenges us today:

When God calls, are we willing to choose His will even when it means standing against the pressures of the world?

📌 Sermon: Annunciation to the Theotokos

📌 Speaker: His Grace Zachariah Mar Nicholovos