Armenian Apostolic Holy Church The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

During Great Lent in Armenian churches, along with the Night and Morning services, the Sunrise Service is offered. It was previously a part of the morning service and is offered at sunrise. It symbolizes Christ’s appearance to the oil-bearing women and reminds us of Christ’s Resurrection and His saving mission. This service was established by the Catholicos Yezr I of Parajenakert (630-641) and in the 12th century it was enriched with hymns of St. Nerses Shnorhali.