The Nativity and Baptism of Jesus Christ will be observed under strict safety regulations at New York’s St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral on Thursday and Friday, January 5 and 6, 2023.
With public health considerations still ongoing in many places, Armenian Christmas services at St. Vartan Cathedral and all local parishes of the Eastern Diocese will be in compliance with local regulations regarding public gatherings.
Armenian Christmas Eve (Jan. 5)
On Thursday, January 5, there will be an Evening Service at 5:30 p.m. The Divine Liturgy will immediately follow, beginning at 6:30 p.m., celebrated by the Rev. Fr. Arshen Aivazian.
Armenian Christmas (Jan. 6)
On Friday, January 6, the Divine Liturgy will be celebrated by the Rev. Fr. Davit Karamyan, Vicar of St. Vartan Cathedral. The Morning Service begins at 9 a.m., and the Divine Liturgy follows at 10 a.m.
The sacred music will be sung by the St. Vartan Cathedral Choir, under the direction of Maestro Khoren Mekanejian.
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 will follow the Divine Liturgy. This year The Godfather of the Cross will be Dr. Lawrence Najarian.
A Christmas reception will take place following services, in Haik and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium of the cathedral complex.
Local Celebrations
Armenian Christmas will also be observed at local parishes across the Eastern Diocese. Many parishes will celebrate on Friday, January 6. However, Diocesan parishes have also been authorized to celebrate on Sunday, January 8, if local circumstances so demand. Please contact your local parish to ascertain the time of its Armenian Christmas celebration.
The cathedral’s Armenian Christmas Divine Liturgy will be broadcast live over the cathedral’s Facebook page and the Eastern Diocese’s YouTube platform. Many local parishes will also broadcast their services.
St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral is located at 630 Second Avenue (corner of 34th Street and Second Avenue), in New York City. Armenian Christmas Eve services begin at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 5. The Armenian Christmas Service on Friday, January 6 will begin at 9 a.m., with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy beginning at 10 a.m., followed by the traditional Blessing of Water ceremony.
For information, call the cathedral at (212) 686-0710.