Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
Every year on the Thursday preceding Great Lent,
Armenians throughout the world commemorate the anniversary of the Battle of
Avarayr (A.D. 451), in which Christian Armenia, under the leadership of St.
Vartan Mamigonian, fought against the Persian Empire, which aimed to convert
the country to Zoroastrianism.
On the field of Avarayr, outnumbered Armenian fighters
faced a mighty Persian army. St. Vartan and his companions saw a military
defeat, but their unyielding commitment to defend their faith ultimately
thwarted the Persians, and ensured that Christianity would endure in Armenia.
Click here to read more about the Battle of Avarayr (http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net/feasts/st-vartan-the-warrior/the-battle-of-vartanantz/) on our website, or download
the Diocese’s iBook for an interactive introduction to St. Vartan’s historic
campaign. (https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-story-of-sts.-vartanants/id501578172?mt=11)
Two days prior to the Feast of Sts. Vartanantz, the
Armenian Church remembers the sacrifice of St. Leontius (Ghevont) the priest
and his companions. St. Ghevont is one of the great exemplars of the Armenian
priesthood, remembered for his rare courage and resolution at the Battle of
Avarayr.
On the eve of battle, Ghevont celebrated the Divine
Liturgy, conferred the sacrament of Holy Communion on the soldiers, and
baptized those who had not yet been received into the church. His stirring
sermon assured the soldiers that their mystical union with Christ would survive
even physical violence and death. In observance of Ghevontiantz Day, the clergy
of the Eastern Diocese hold regional gatherings every year. Click here to learn
more about St. Leontius and his companions. (http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net/feasts/leontius-the-priest/)
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