On Wednesday, January 6, the Armenian Church will observe the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ. At St. Vartan Cathedral in New York, Diocesan Primate Bishop Daniel will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and perform the “Blessing of Water” ceremony.
The Armenian Church celebrates the holy birth (Sourp Dznount) 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.
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?
There were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
In a year like no other, the birth of Jesus Christ reminds us that God’s comfort is a living, personal reality, says Bishop Daniel. Watch and read his Christmas message to the faithful of the Eastern Diocese, in English and Armenian.
