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.
Thirty-two years ago this week, the Armenians of Baku were terrorized by mob violence, and victimized by an immoral political system.
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.
His Holiness Karekin II led the Pontifical Divine Liturgy at Yerevan’s cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator, marking the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of Jesus Christ, on January 6, 2022.
On Thursday, January 6, the Armenian Church will observe the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ. St. Vartan Cathedral in New York will celebrate the Lord’s birth with a Christmas Divine Liturgy and the traditional “Blessing of Water” ceremony.
