For the second consecutive year, the celebration of the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of Jesus Christ (Asdvadzahaydnoutiun) at New York’s St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral required navigating the protocols of the ongoing pandemic.
The “Little Church” in Every Home
In a typical season, clergy visit their parishioners to perform the “Home Blessing” in the period following the Feast of the Lord’s Nativity. With lingering concerns over the pandemic, this is hardly a “typical” season. But Home Blessings can still be part of spiritual life.
Celebrating Christ’s Birth and Baptism
The Armenian Church celebrates the holy birth (Sourp Dznunt) of Jesus Christ on January 6. In Armenian tradition, this feast day commemorates not only the birth of Christ, but also His baptism by John the Baptist.
Armenian Christmas at St. Vartan Cathedral on Jan. 6, 2022
The Nativity and Baptism of Jesus Christ will be observed under strict safety regulations at New York’s St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral on Wednesday and Thursday, January 5 and 6, 2022.
A Week of Re-Introductions
One of the wonderful things about the Christmas season (at least, in a typical year) is the way it re-introduces us to people. Some of the most memorable re-introductions come from the surrounding culture. Who can suppress a warm smile at their first yearly sighting of Santa, Rudolph, and the elves? Or at the Grinch, and the whole Peanuts gang?