Armenian Apostolic Holy Church The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

The service of Granting of the Cowl (Veghar) was officiated in the Mother See. Father Virap and Father Mashtots received the cowl and joined the ranks of the Brotherhood of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. The cowl is placed on the head of each novice as a symbol of the celibate priesthood. Celibate priests renounce married life, take a vow of celibacy, and live a monastic life. The black pointed headdress symbolizes the renunciation of worldly life and is one of the distinguishing marks of a celibate clergyman, as a sign of their vow and spiritual rank. The abbot takes the vow of celibacy on the evening of the day of ordination.