As the year draws to a close and the faithful prepare to celebrate the sacred holidays, the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin has announced the schedule of ceremonies to be held with the participation of its clergy. These events are set to provide an opportunity for spiritual renewal and collective prayer, under the guidance of His Holiness Garegin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.
The ceremonies will commence at midnight on December 31 with the Republican Blessing and the traditional pomegranate blessing at the Holy Cathedral of Etchmiadzin. This symbolic ritual, led by His Holiness, marks the transition into the new year with prayers for peace and prosperity.
On January 1, a Divine Liturgy and Patriarchal blessing will take place at 10:00 AM in the Holy Cathedral, inviting attendees to start the year with spiritual grounding and communal worship.
The sacred celebrations will continue on January 5 with an evening service and the Christmas Eve Divine Liturgy, beginning at 5:30 PM. This marks the vigil leading up to one of the most significant events in the Christian calendar—the Nativity and Theophany of Christ.
On January 6, the faithful will gather at 10:30 AM for the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy and the Blessing of Water ceremony, symbolizing the baptism of Christ in the Jordan River. This deeply meaningful event is a cornerstone of the Armenian Apostolic Church’s Christmas celebrations.
The ceremonies will conclude on January 7 with a Divine Liturgy and a requiem service, held at 10:30 AM, offering prayers for departed souls and commemorating the spirit of unity and hope.
The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin invites all faithful to join these sacred ceremonies, fostering a sense of community and spiritual reflection during this holy season. Through these events, the Armenian Apostolic Church continues its mission of guiding the faithful toward renewal, peace, and faith in the new year.
