Christmas Eve Candlelight Divine Liturgy in the St. Gayane Monastery
05.01.2023
On January 05, on the Eve of the Feats of the Holy Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ, under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; Candlelight Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the St. Gayane Monastery, which was attended by the members of the Brotherhood of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and the Armenian faithful. The Celebrant was His Grace Bishop Vasken Mirzakhanyan, Director of the Ecclesiastical Conceptual Issues Office of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. Prior to the Divine Liturgy, an Evening Service was held and different Bible passages were read, then four Deacons of Mother See read the Prophecy of Daniel.
During the Divine Liturgy, His Eminence reflected on the sacrament of the Feast and reflected on the human-God relationship: "Although we do not exclude the importance of prophets, interpreters of the Holy Scriptures, theologians in terms of making the word of God easier for us, today the individual communication of each of us with God is important". In this regard, the Celebrant urged those present, putting aside worldly thoughts and driving away the thoughts that consume the human soul and life, to talk with the Lord, raising our sincere prayers to heaven.
Bishop Vasken, referring to the challenges facing our country, emphasized that it is possible to overcome the existing trials thanks to faith, prayer and devotional works.
At the conclusion, the Celebrant congratulated the faithful Armenians on the occasion of the feast and wished everyone a bright Christmas blessing.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, His Holiness ascended the Holy Alter and lit a candle, so that the faithful have the opportunity to light their own candles, and take the light to their home symbolizing the light of the revealed Son of God. Then, the Brotherhood of the Mother See gathered in the Pontifical Residence, where under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenian; a Christmas Home-Blessing Service was offered.
