Pre-Feast of the Presentation of the Lord at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin
13.02.2025
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 and reverently.
Following the service, 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.
After the ceremony, the procession of clergy moved to the courtyard of the monastic complex of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. In the presence of many faithful, His Holiness lit the bonfire. As a token of blessing, crosses were gifted to the faithful by the Catholicos.
His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, proclaimed the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord the Day of Blessing for Newlyweds. On February 14, following the Divine Liturgy in the Mother Cathedral and all churches, a special blessing ceremony for newlywed couples will be conducted.
