The Eve of the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ to the Temple in the Mother See
13.02.2023
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. With the Blessings of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, Evening Service was offered in the St. Gayane Monastery. The Evening Service was followed by the Eve of the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ to the Temple, presided by the Catholicos of All Armenians, which was followed by Andastan Service; the four corners of the world were blessed.
At the conclusion of the Service, under the delightful "Christ in Glory" hymn, a candle was lit by His Holiness from the Holy Altar of St. Gayane Monastery, symbolizing Christ. Then the Pontifical Procession went to the courtyard of the Monastic residence where His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; lit a traditional bonfire conveying the light to the faithful who were present.
The Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ to the Temple, with the Blessings of the Armenian Pontiff, has also been proclaimed as the Blessing day of the newlyweds. On February 14, at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, a Service of Blessing for the newly married will be offered in all Churches.
