The Armenian Christmas Divine Liturgy on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at New York’s St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral once again brought the Armenian Christian family together to mark the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Consistent with the early traditions of Christianity, the mystery of the baptism of Jesus Christ is also commemorated on this day, with a special “Blessing of Water” (Churorhnek) ceremony following the Divine Liturgy.
As the congregation rejoiced together in this celebration of the revelation of God to mankind through the blessed nativity, it was abundantly clear that faith united them as one body as the Kingdom of God became present and active within the cathedral.
Marking his first Christmas since his consecration as a bishop of the church, 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.
This year’s observance also provided an inspiring testament to the healing power of Our Lord, as Bishop Mesrop robustly stood and walked throughout the entire service despite being gravely injured in a car accident less than two years ago. It was, without a doubt, a time to give thanks for all of the blessings the Lord has bestowed upon our bishop and the Armenian people, carrying them through catastrophic events during the past year, particularly in Armenia and Artsakh.
As candlelight bathed the bright red poinsettias adorning the holy altar, wisps of incense billowed from the censers, enveloping the sanctum as it lifted the prayers of the Badarak toward the heavens. Bishop Mesrop, clad in violet and gold-colored liturgical vestments, led the congregation in prayer and blessed parishioners as he walked in procession.
Noticeably present among the lay people were Bishop Mesrop’s parents, Mihran and Manya Parsamyan, who traveled from Armenia to share in the blessed joy of the Christmas service with their son.
A Child’s Trust
Bishop Mesrop’s homily thoughtfully examined the meaning of the true peace that God offers us, by juxtaposing a child’s simple, playful activities with that of an adult’s life clouded with trepidation and burden.
“A child has the security and trust that his parents are watching over him to ensure his safety, allowing him to completely immerse himself in the joy of the moment without concern for the past or anxiety about the future,” he said. “We, too, have the assurance of placing our trust in a loving, trustworthy parent—our Heavenly Father—who watches over us at all times.”
Bishop Mesrop reiterated that our faith calls us to place our trust in God, enabling us to live in the moment, liberated from the weight of our past regrets and future anxieties. “We then can fully engage in the peace that God offers us,” he said, “one that surpasses all understanding and guides our hearts and our minds in Christ to guide our steps and embolden our spirits.”
Bishop Mesrop concluded his message by encouraging the faithful to trust in our Heavenly Father and live in the present moment, so we can share that peace in our hearts with others.
The Godfather of the Cross (gunkahayr) for the Christmas Blessing of Water ceremony was Kirk Hachigian, a member of St. Kevork Church in Houston, TX, whose selfless involvement, guidance and support of countless initiatives have ensured the longevity of the Armenian Church and benefitted the entire Armenian community.
The Christmas Day Divine Liturgy was also made possible with the participation of Fr. Davit Karamyan, Vicar of St. Vartan Cathedral, as well as a large contingent of deacons and altar servers. Maestro Khoren Mekanejian directed the angelic voices of the St. Vartan Cathedral Choir, accompanied by organist Florence Avakian.
Following the service, a Christmas reception took place in the Haik and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium of the cathedral complex. The online broadcast was directed by Yervant Keshishian, with Chris Zakian providing the narration. Dn. Diran Jebejian 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 of Armenian church tradition, the Feast of Theophany will be formally observed through 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.
By Stephan S. Nigohosian