The Armenian Christmas Divine Liturgy on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at New York City’s St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral, once again united the Armenian Christian family to mark the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
As the faithful walked down Second Avenue and neared the edifice, its brilliant golden dome with cross atop rose above the cityscape like a gleaming, welcoming beacon. Newly re-gilded as part of the cathedral’s ongoing interior and exterior restoration project, they reflected light outward, transforming the approach into a moment of spiritual significance. The faithful then entered the sanctuary through the ornate bronze entry doors, crossing the threshold into the sacred space that has symbolized our Armenian Christian faith in Manhattan and the world for nearly six decades.
Also known as the Theophany (Asdvadzahaydnoutiun), or the Feast of the Birth and Manifestation of Jesus Christ, the Armenian Christmas service celebrates the revelation of God to mankind through the blessed nativity. As the congregation rejoiced together, faith united them as one body as the Kingdom of God became present and active within the cathedral. Consistent with the early traditions of Christianity, the mystery of the baptism of Jesus Christ was also commemorated on this day, with a special “Blessing of Water” (Churorhnek) ceremony following the Divine Liturgy.
Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan celebrated the Divine Liturgy before the faithful in the cathedral sanctuary, as well as to a global audience via the livestream broadcast. Bishop Mesrop’s steadfast faith and passion, expressed through both his words and gestures, fostered a powerful spiritual connection that endured throughout the service.
God Rescues and Restores Us
Red poinsettias bathed in candlelight adorned the holy altar, while the sweet smell of incense rose from the censers, gently swathing the sanctum as it lifted the prayers of the badarak toward the heavens. Wearing violet and gold-hued liturgical vestments, Bishop Mesrop guided the congregation in prayer and offered blessings to parishioners as he moved in solemn procession. All throughout, the choir’s voices rose in a pure, luminous harmony, soaring about the sanctuary to deepen the reverence of the moment.
Bishop Mesrop’s homily explored the meaning of Salvation and how God never abandons us, no matter how grave the circumstances or forlorn we may feel. “When we cannot save ourselves, God steps in,” he said reassuringly. “God chooses to enter the darkness, chaos and brokenness to save us.” He explained that Salvation means both “rescue” and “restoration,” as God delivers us from danger and heals what has been wounded.
“God chose to come as a child, because power can intimidate, but love invites. God chose the path of nearness, because healing begins where fear ends.” Despite the unspeakable cruelty, political upheaval and crimes against humanity that are so prevalent in today’s world, including the growing tension between church and state in Armenia, God is always present. “It is into that very darkness that Heaven still speaks, ‘Do not be afraid! You are not alone!’”
Heaven is Fluent in Humanity
The Primate also clearly illustrated how Christ is able to understand the difficulties and trials we endure in daily life. “God speaks our language,” he emphasized. “He knows hunger because He was hungry; He knows exhaustion because He was tired; He knows rejection because He was rejected; He knows pain because He suffered; He knows grief because he wept.” Through our Savior Jesus Christ, God lifts us up and takes us back home, bringing us peace, love and healing hope.
The sermon concluded with a powerful reminder to hold fast to the Good News of the Nativity of Christ to guide your steps every day. It compels all of us to keep in mind that God still brings light into the world, no matter how dark it may be.
The Godfather of the Cross (Gunkahayr) for the Christmas Blessing of Water ceremony was Haig Ariyan, a member of St. Thomas Armenian Church in Tenafly, NJ. His dedication and benevolence to the Armenian community include past and present service on the Diocese Board of Trustees, the AGBU Central Council, as well as Chair of the Armenian Church Endowment Fund Investment Committee and a Dadourian Foundation Board Member.
The Armenian Christmas Divine Liturgy went forward with the participation of Fr. Davit Karamyan, Vicar of St. Vartan Cathedral and Fr. Mardiros Chevian, Dean of St. Nersess Armenian Seminary, as well as a large contingent of deacons, altar servers, and seminarians. Hasmik Mekanejian directed the angelic voices of the St. Vartan Cathedral Choir, accompanied on the organ by Kris Kalfayan.
The online broadcast was directed by Yervant Keshishian, with Chris Zakian providing the narration. Mano Baghjajian and Ani Villalba manned the video controls and social media respectively, and Harout Barsoumian photographed the service inside the sanctuary.
St. Vartan Cathedral’s Christmas celebration began on the evening of January 5, with the solemn Jrakalouyts (“Lamp-lighting”) service, followed by scripture readings traditionally celebrated on Christmas Eve. The Divine Liturgy, celebrated by Fr. Karamyan, immediately followed. In accordance with Armenian church tradition, the Feast of Theophany will be formally observed through the great day of January 13, completing the “octave” of Theophany.
Click the following links to:
- VIEW photos of Christmas at St. Vartan Cathedral.
- WATCH the full recording of the Christmas liturgy.
- WATCH Bishop Mesrop’s sermon in English and Armenian.
Reported by Stephan S. Nigohosian