Eve of the Presentation of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Mother See
14.02.2020
On February 14, the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ to the Temple commemorating the presentation of the 40 day-old Christ Child to the Temple in Jerusalem.
The festivities began on the evening of February 13, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. The Brotherhood of the Mother See participated in the Evening Service at the St. Gayane Monastery. Following the EveningService, His Eminence Archbishop Voskan Kalpakian presided over the first Service of Blessing the Four Corners of the world (Andastan).
At the conclusion of the Service, under the delightful "Christ in Glory" hym, a candle was lit by His Holiness from the Holy Altar of St. Gayane Monastery, symbolizing Christ. Then His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; lit a traditional bonfire at the courtyard of the Monastic residence, conveying the light to the faithful who were present.
On this occasion, the students of the Gevorkian Theological Seminary performed national and spiritual songs.
With the blessing of the Armenian Pontiff, this day is also proclaimed the Blessing day of newlywed couples.
On February 14, at the conclusion of Divine Liturgy, a Blessing Service of the newlywed couples will be offered in all Churches.
