Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord

On Monday, January 6, the Armenian Church will celebrate the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ. In Armenian tradition, this feast day commemorates not only the birth of Christ, but also his baptism by John the Baptist. The latter is remembered through the “Blessing of Water” ceremony, which follows the Divine Liturgy on January 6.

On Sunday, January 5, the Eve of the Feast of Theophany, the Armenian Church will hold the Jrakalouyts (lamp-lighting) service. At St. Vartan Cathedral in New York, services will begin at 4 p.m. with Scripture readings by the Diocese’s Khrimian Lyceum students. The Divine Liturgy will follow at 5 p.m., celebrated by the cathedral dean, the Very Rev. Fr. Mamigon Kiledjian. (Please note that because of the 5 p.m. badarak on January 5, there will be no Sunday morning badarak at the cathedral on that day.)

On Monday, January 6, Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian will celebrate the Divine Liturgy at 10:30 a.m.; it will be preceded by a morning service beginning at 9:30 a.m. The “Blessing of Water” will follow the Divine Liturgy. Hratch Nersessian will serve as "godfather" of the Blessing of Water ceremony.

A Home Blessing service and Christmas reception will follow in Haik and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium. The Akh'tamar Armenian Dance Ensemble, under the direction of Sylva Assadourian, will perform during the reception, which is free and open to the public.

Click here http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net/news-and-media/news/christmas-services-at-st-vartan-cathedral-3/ for more information on the cathedral services. For information on services in your area, contact your local parish to ascertain the date and time of its Armenian Christmas celebration.

Click on the following links to read the Primate’s Christmas message http://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/files/PrimateChristmasMsg2014.pdf?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=3d0a9e2c4f-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3f0172fcf2-3d0a9e2c4f-153258974

and to view a brief video about Christmas in the Armenian Church. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKwwPT-2qng&feature=youtu.be&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=da34aed987-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email

Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America [publicrelations=armeniandiocese.org@mail74.atl71.mcdlv.net]