Holy Week signals the end of the Lenten period of separation, and a return to the full life of the church. The coming Holy Week will go forward in the Eastern Diocese with in-person worship as well as the online broadcast of services.
St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral will be open to the public for the series of special Holy Week services, culminating in Easter Sunday on April 5, 2026. The schedule of services is as follows:
PALM SUNDAY, the commemoration of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, falls on Sunday, March 29. Cathedral Vicar Fr. Davit Karamyan will be the celebrant for the services, which will begin streaming over the St. Vartan Cathedral Facebook page at 10 a.m. The Turen-patzek or “Door-Opening” Service will be held after the Divine Liturgy. A special Palm Sunday Children’s Blessing service will take place following the Turen-patzek service. Children are invited to take part in this meaningful service and enjoy a special program and reception.
On HOLY TUESDAY, March 31, a Vespers service in remembrance of the Ten Virgins, will begin at 6:30 p.m.
April 2 is GREAT AND HOLY THURSDAY, and the day’s services memorialize the Last Supper, Jesus’ vigil in the Garden of Gethsemane, his arrest and trial. Two separate services will be celebrated on this day. In the morning, the Divine Liturgy will begin at 11 a.m., celebrated by Fr. Davit Karamyan.
In the evening, the “Washing of the Feet” ceremony will start at 6 p.m., with the Khavaroom or Vigil Service following at 7:30 p.m. During the Washing of Feet ceremony, twelve individuals from the community will stand in place of the apostles. Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan will preside.
The crucifixion and death of Christ will be marked on April 3—GREAT AND HOLY FRIDAY—and two services will take place. The Order of the Crucifixion of Christ will begin at 12 noon. That same evening, at 5 p.m., the Order of the Entombment of the Lord, or Taghoom Service, will take place.
On GREAT AND HOLY SATURDAY, April 4, the scripture-reading ceremony will begin at 6pm, followed by the Jrakalouyts (“Lamp-Lighting”) Badarak, celebrated by Fr. Davit Karamyan.
Finally, the drama of Holy Week will culminate on EASTER SUNDAY, April 5: the central holy day of the Christian calendar, commemorating the discovery of Christ’s empty tomb and the news of his resurrection. The Divine Liturgy will begin at 10am, with Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan celebrating the liturgy and delivering the homily.
Plans call for the cathedral’s Easter service to conclude in the “Release of Doves” ceremony on the plaza, continuing a longstanding Easter tradition.
A reception for the public will take place in Haik and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium following the Easter Sunday Badarak.
St. Vartan Cathedral’s Easter Sunday service will be broadcast over the Eastern Diocese’s YouTube and Facebook platforms. Parishes around the Eastern Diocese may have their own schedule of in-person and online services; contact your local parish for details.
Quick Reference Holy Week Schedule
Keep apprised of updates to this schedule, and find inspirational messages and news, on the Eastern Diocese’s website and Facebook page.
MARCH 29: Palm Sunday Badarak, 10 a.m. Fr. Davit Karamyan celebrating.
MARCH 31: Holy Tuesday Vespers service, 6:30 p.m.
APRIL 2: Holy Thursday Divine Liturgy, 11 a.m. / “Washing of Feet” service, 6 p.m. / Khavaroom service, 7:30 p.m. Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate, presiding.
APRIL 3: Holy Friday Crucifixion service, 12 noon / Burial Service, 5 p.m.
APRIL 4: Holy Saturday Scripture Reading and Jrakalouyts service, 6 p.m. Fr. Davit Karamyan celebrating.
APRIL 5: Easter Sunday Badarak, 10 a.m. Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate, celebrating.
The Palm Sunday service will be broadcast over the St. Vartan Cathedral Facebook page. The Easter Sunday service will be broadcast on the Eastern Diocese’s YouTube page, as well as on its Facebook platform, and on the St. Vartan Cathedral Facebook page.