The worldwide Armenian Church marked one of its five major feast days on Sunday, September 11, with the celebration of Khatchveratz: the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.
In Armenia, at Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, the Catholicos of All Armenians, presided over the ceremonies starting the church’s Season of the Holy Cross. To view photos of the beautiful Medz Antasdan service at the Mother See’s outdoor altar, click here.
On the same day, at New York’s St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral, the Khatchveratz observance began with the Divine Liturgy celebrated by Bishop Daniel Findikyan.
In a meaningful sermon, Bishop Daniel spoke on the deep significance of the Cross. “When we preach Christ crucified, we are glorifying God’s love for us,” he said. “And God shows His love for us, not by this or that miracle, but by giving the very best and most precious thing He has: His only Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.” The service was broadcast over the cathedral’s Facebook page, and can be watched here. (The sermon begins around the 1:55 mark.)
At the conclusion of the service, Bishop Daniel led the Medz Antasdan service—during which worshippers had an opportunity to venerate one of the treasures of the Eastern Diocese: an actual relic of the True Cross of Jesus Christ, housed in a beautiful cross-shaped reliquary.
Click here to view photos of the cathedral service.