The Armenian Christmas service at New York City’s St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral each January 6 is one of the most spiritually moving and greatly anticipated events in the liturgical calendar. Known as the Theophany (Asdvadzahaydnootyoon), or the Feast of the Birth and Manifestation of Jesus Christ, it celebrates the revelation of God to mankind through the blessed nativity.
The Armenian Church steadfastly remains true to the early traditions of Christianity by also observing the baptism of Jesus Christ on this day, holding a special “Blessing of Water” ceremony following the Divine Liturgy.
For 2023, notably, the Christmas service provided further inspiration to the faithful, with a new Diocesan Primate, the Very Rev. Fr. Mesrop Parsamyan, presiding over the ceremony for the first time. It was only last July that a severe automobile accident left him gravely injured. Miraculously, through the grace of our Lord, as well as a multitude of prayers by parishioners worldwide and the care of a highly skilled medical team, Fr. Parsamyan has regained his mobility through surgeries and extensive physical rehabilitation.
To help allay the physical demands of the more than two-hour service, however, the Rev. Fr. Davit Karamyan, Vicar of St. Vartan Cathedral, acted as celebrant, with Fr. Parsamyan delivering the homily and leading the Blessing of Water ceremony.
A Feeling of Thankfulness
From the moment the curtain drew back to reveal Fr. Parsamyan’s public appearance on the altar after nearly six months, a collective feeling of thankfulness and elation was palpable throughout the sanctuary. As he turned to face the faithful, the congregation responded with a heartfelt round of welcoming applause in a moment of profound emotion. Fr. Parsamyan then began his homily with the greeting Krisdos dzunav yev haydnetsav! (Christ is born and revealed!), to which the faithful responded with Orhnyal eh haydnootyoonun Krisdosi! (Blessed is the revelation of Christ!).
“Two weeks ago, I could not imagine standing in front of you to deliver this homily, but we are a people who believe in miracles,” he said with gratitude as he alluded to his injuries. “I glorify our Heavenly Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit for granting me the blessing of being able to celebrate and pray the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ with you.”
Fr. Parsamyan then referenced the story of Christ’s birth as foretold by the prophet Isaiah to illustrate the deeper reality of the relationship we have with God. “The words of the evangelist Matthew assure us that everything that happened more than 2,000 years ago was ordained by God, who chose to enter this world in a manner known only to a few,” he explained. “In that tender scene of the Nativity, where God enters the world as a sweet baby laying in a manger to reveal Himself to mankind, we see that He is truly with His creation.”
The Primate further underscored the fact that the ancient prophecy “God is with us” continues to be fulfilled today in our own time, teaching the importance of forgiveness, mercy, patience, humility, and love, as well as the promise of Salvation through Christ. He reminded the faithful that the extremely difficult situation faced by our brothers and sisters in Armenia and Artsakh requires our prayers, faith and conviction. “We are never helpless, powerless or alone in this world, for God is with us and we are with Him.”
Godfather of the Cross
As is its tradition, the Armenian Church designates a Godfather of the Cross for the Christmas Water Blessing ceremony. This year the honor was bestowed upon Dr. Lawrence Najarian, a distinguished ophthalmologist and president of the Armenian American Health Professionals Organization (AAHPO), who stood as witness to the ceremonial remembrance of Christ’s baptism. At the beginning of the blessing, Fr. Parsamyan expressed sincere appreciation to Dr. Najarian and AAHPO for assisting the Diocese, and guiding the entire Armenian community, throughout the pandemic to ensure the safe participation of the faithful in church services.
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 immediately followed, celebrated by the Rev. Fr. Arshen Aivazian.
The Christmas Day Divine Liturgy was also made possible with the participation of a half dozen deacons and altar servers, led by Dn. Manuel Rakoubian. Maestro Khoren Mekanejian directed the angelic voices of the St. Vartan Cathedral Choir, accompanied by organist Florence Avakian.
A Christmas reception took place in the Haik and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium of the cathedral complex following the service. The online broadcast was directed by Yervant Keshishian, with Chris Zakian providing the narration. Dn. Diran Jebejian photographed the service inside the sanctuary.
Click the following links to:
- VIEW PHOTOS of Armenian Christmas at St. Vartan Cathedral.
- WATCH A RECORDING of the entire service.
- WATCH THE SERMON of our Primate, in English and Armenian.
By Stephan S. Nigohosian