Mother See Issues Announcement

The Mother See reports: On January 5th, in honor of the Nativity and Theophany of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, a Christmas Eve Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin, presided over by His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, with the participation of the Brotherhood of the Mother See and pious pilgrims.

The Divine Liturgy was officiated by the Reverend Bishop Haykazun Najaryan from the Brotherhood of the Mother See. Before the Divine Liturgy, an Evening Service was conducted, followed by readings from various biblical passages, after which four deacons from the Mother See read the prophecy of Daniel.

During the Divine Liturgy, Bishop Haykazun, in his sermon, emphasized the significance of the Lord's Nativity, particularly noting: “Christianity is primarily a manifestation of personal faith and spiritual feeling. First, we, as individuals, must turn back, find God in our hearts, become children of light, enlighten our souls, and then strive to preach to others by our example. Without this, no nation can be led to salvation.”

He then urged the faithful to remember the poor and needy as Christians, to visit the sick, the imprisoned, and to pray for them. “Christmas is a beautiful occasion for us to spiritually transform, to experience spiritual joy, and to renew our covenant with God, so that we may strengthen in Christ and reaffirm our calling to be true children of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church. Let us strive to resemble our holy fathers, remain faithful to our sacred traditions, and be ready, as Christians, to withstand all kinds of challenges and strengthen our faith,” concluded Bishop Haykazun.

At the end of the Divine Liturgy, during the preliminary ceremony, the Catholicos of All Armenians ascended to the Great Holy Altar and lit a candle symbolizing Jesus Christ from the altar's lamp, and the life-giving light was distributed among the believers.

Subsequently, the Brotherhood of the Mother See gathered in the Synod Hall, where, under the presidency of the Supreme Patriarch, the first house blessing of the year was conducted.