Ordinarily, 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 under observance of local safety regulations, with provision for in-person worship as well as the online broadcast of services.
St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral will be open to the public throughout Holy Week. The series of special Holy Week services, culminating in Easter Sunday on April 17, 2022, will be broadcast to the public over the St. Vartan Cathedral Facebook page.
The schedule of services is as follows:
PALM SUNDAY, the commemoration of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, falls on April 10. Fr. Davit Karamyan (Vicar of St. Vartan Cathedral) will be the celebrant for the services, which will begin streaming over Facebook 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 on the cathedral’s outdoor plaza following the Turen-patzek service. Children are invited to take part in this meaningful service and enjoy a special program.
On HOLY TUESDAY, April 12, a Vespers service in remembrance of the Ten Virgins, will begin at 6 p.m.
April 14 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 10 a.m.
In the evening, the “Washing of the Feet” ceremony will start at 6:30 p.m., with the Khavaroom or Vigil Service following at 8 p.m. During the Washing of Feet ceremony, twelve individuals from the community will stand in place of the apostles.
The crucifixion and death of Christ will be marked on April 15—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 6 p.m., the Order of the Entombment of the Lord, or Taghoom Service, will take place.
On GREAT AND HOLY SATURDAY, April 16, the scripture-reading ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by the Jrakalouyts (“Lamp-Lighting”) Badarak.
Finally, the drama of Holy Week will culminate on EASTER SUNDAY, April 17: 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 10 a.m., with Bishop Daniel Findikyan, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, celebrating the liturgy and delivering the homily.
A reception for the public will take place in Haik and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium following the Easter Sunday Badarak.
All of the Holy Week services at St. Vartan Cathedral will be broadcast over the cathedral Facebook page, with East Sunday services broadcast in addition over the Eastern Diocese’s YouTube platform. 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
Holy Week services at St. Vartan Cathedral and all local parishes of the Eastern Diocese will be in compliance with local public health guidelines, although under present conditions regulations have been relaxed, and mask-wearing in the sanctuary is now optional.
Keep apprised of updates to this schedule, and find inspirational messages and news, on the Eastern Diocese’s website and Facebook page.
APRIL 10: Palm Sunday Badarak, 10 a.m. Fr. Davit Karamyan celebrating.
APRIL 12: Holy Tuesday Vespers service, 6 p.m.
APRIL 14: Holy Thursday “Washing of Feet” service, 6:30 p.m. / Khavaroom service, 8 p.m.
APRIL 15: Holy Friday Crucifixion service, 12 noon / Burial Service, 6 p.m.
APRIL 16: Holy Saturday Scripture Reading and Jrakalouyts service, 6:30 p.m.
APRIL 17: Easter Sunday Badarak, 10 a.m. Bishop Daniel celebrating.
All services will be broadcast over the St. Vartan Cathedral Facebook page. Easter Sunday services will be broadcast additionally on the Eastern Diocese’s YouTube page.