Feast of St. Vardanants at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

Feast of St. Vardanants at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On February 27, the Armenian Apostolic Church celebrated the Feast of St. Vardanants Commanders and the 1,036 Martyrs. On this occasion, a Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin, presided over by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. The celebrant was Very Reverend Father Senior Archimandrite Shahe Ananyan. In his sermon, Father Shahe reflected on the profound significance of the Feast of St. Vardanants, emphasizing: "The meaning of St. Vardanants is great, not simply because it marks an ecclesiastical feast or commemorates a great battle, but because it stirs within us two essential and timeless virtues upon which our very existence depends—patriotism and love for God. The 1,036 martyrs stand as a collective symbol of all that has been lacking in our midst through the ages, yet they have always been revered as the highest of virtues—love for God and devotion to one's homeland."
Holy Liturgy and Award Ceremony on the Feast of St. Ghevontian Priests

Holy Liturgy and Award Ceremony on the Feast of St. Ghevontian Priests

On February 25, the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church solemnly commemorated the Feast of St. Ghevontian Martyrs, also known as the Levontian Priests. On this occasion, a Divine Liturgy was held at the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin, presided over by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. The sacred service was attended by approximately 250 clergymen from dioceses and church institutions across Armenia, diocesan primates, members of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin, and numerous faithful. The celebrant was Rev. Fr. Nshan Panfyorov, pastor of the Surb Nshan Church in Gyumri, Shirak Diocese. In his sermon, Father Nshan reflected on the day's significance, emphasizing that the Ghevontian priests played a crucial role in inspiring the Vardanants War, which was fought 'for the faith and the homeland.'
Feast of the Presentation of the Lord Celebrated at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord Celebrated at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On February 14, the Feast of the Presentation of the 40-day-old Infant Jesus Christ in the Temple, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, presided over the celebration of the Holy and Immortal Liturgy at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. Rev. Fr. Hieromonk Voskan Voskanyan, a member of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin clergy, was the celebrant. In his sermon, Rev. Fr. Voskan reflected on the significance of the feast, emphasizing: "Infant Jesus came as the Prince of Peace to sow heavenly serenity in the storm-tossed hearts of humanity. He came as the world Savior to redeem the God-created human being and, through His devoted mission, to bridge heaven and earth.
Pre-Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

Pre-Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

On February 14, the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church solemnly celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, commemorating the presentation of the 40-day-old Infant Jesus at the temple. The beginning of this sacred celebration was marked on the evening of February 13. In the evening, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, accompanied by a solemn procession of clergy, entered the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin. Under his leadership, the Evening Service was conducted solemnly. The Pre-Feast Ceremony took place, succeeded by the year’s first Blessing of the Four Corners of the World (Antasdan), during which blessings were bestowed upon the four directions of the world. As the hymn “Christ is Glorified” was sung, His Holiness lit a candle from the lamp of the Holy Altar of Descent, symbolizing the life-giving light of Jesus Christ. His Holiness then passed this divine light to the faithful gathered at the service.
Blessing Ceremony for Newlyweds on the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord

Blessing Ceremony for Newlyweds on the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord

On February 14, the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church will celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Infant Jesus to the Temple. In past years, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, proclaimed this day the Day of Blessing for Newlyweds. After the Divine Liturgy, a festive blessing ceremony for newlyweds will be held. The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin cordially invites newlywed couples from 2024 to 2025 to participate in this blessing ceremony. For participation and further information, please contact the Office of the Grand Sacristan at (010) 51 71 90 or (093) 02 51 63.
Message of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, on the Occasion of Great Lent

Message of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, on the Occasion of Great Lent

Dearly beloved, We are entering the season of Great Lent, a time of prayer, self-reflection, repentance, and confession that will guide us toward the indescribable joy of the glorious Resurrection of our incarnate Lord, Jesus Christ. Fasting is a sacred opportunity and a spiritual path through which we strengthen our souls, fortify our will, cleanse ourselves from sin, reject corrupt ways, remain steadfast in faith and spirit, and strive to live by God’s commandments. The fruit of fasting and prayer is the purity of heart, which aspires to perfection, following the Lord’s call: 'Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect' (Matthew 5:48). Thus, by heeding the spiritual teachings of Great Lent and the messages of the Sundays during this sacred season, we are called to direct our lives along the paths of divine love, justice, and goodness. For it is through the righteous lives of all believers that the strength of our people is magnified—so that, placing our trust in the Lord, we may overcome all challenges and be strengthened as a nation and a state. Let us raise our prayers that, by the life-giving grace of our Savior's Holy Resurrection, we may be transformed and renew the life of our nation, filling it with light and divine grace. May our homeland, under the Providential protection of God’s Right Hand, be granted peace and security, and may our entire nation—both in the homeland and the diaspora—be blessed with prosperity and protection, now and forever. Amen.

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