Feast Days in the Armenian Church

Feast Days in the Armenian Church

  • The Feast of the Nativity

    The Feast of the Nativity

    The Feast of the Nativity, celebrated on January 6, marks the birth and baptism of Jesus Christ. This holy day invites the faithful to reflect on the profound mystery of God’s incarnation and the gift of salvation. The celebration includes the Divine Liturgy, a candlelight service, and the Blessing of the Water, symbolizing the baptism of Christ and the renewal of faith. It is a time of joy and spiritual renewal for the entire Armenian Church community.

  • St. Vartan and Companions

    St. Vartan and Companions

    St. Vartan and his companions are commemorated as heroes of the Armenian faith who defended Christianity during the Battle of Avarayr in 451 A.D. This day honors their courage and sacrifice, inspiring Armenians to uphold their faith and heritage against all challenges. Their devotion serves as a reminder of the enduring strength of faith and the importance of standing firm in one’s beliefs.

  • Holy Easter - The Resurrection of Our Lord

    Holy Easter - The Resurrection of Our Lord

    Holy Easter is the pinnacle of the Christian calendar, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the triumph of life over death. This sacred day is marked by joyous hymns, the Divine Liturgy, and expressions of hope, renewal, and spiritual victory. It calls the faithful to embrace the promise of eternal life and the transformative power of Christ’s resurrection.

  • The Ascension of Christ

    The Ascension of Christ

    The Ascension of Christ is celebrated 40 days after Easter, commemorating the moment Jesus ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father. It reminds the faithful of Christ’s promise to return and inspires reflection on His divine mission and glory. The celebration is a call to live in hope and readiness for His ultimate return.

  • Pentecost

    Pentecost

    Pentecost, observed 50 days after Easter, celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles, marking the birth of the Church. This feast reminds the faithful of the Holy Spirit’s presence in their lives, empowering them to live in faith and love. It also calls for a renewed commitment to sharing the message of Christ with the world.

  • The Feast of Holy Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide

    The Feast of Holy Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide

    This solemn day honors the sanctified memory of the 1.5 million Armenians who perished during the Genocide of 1915. It is a time for prayer, reflection, and remembrance of their enduring faith and sacrifice for Christ. The day also serves as a reminder of the resilience of the Armenian people and their steadfast dedication to their faith.

  • The Transfiguration of Our Lord and Jesus Christ

    The Transfiguration of Our Lord and Jesus Christ

    The Transfiguration celebrates the moment Jesus revealed His divine glory to His disciples on Mount Tabor. This feast inspires believers to seek spiritual transformation and a deeper understanding of Christ’s divinity. It is a call to witness His light in our lives and strive for personal and communal renewal.

  • The Assumption of the Virgin Mary

    The Assumption of the Virgin Mary

    The Assumption of the Virgin Mary commemorates the Holy Mother’s ascension to heaven, body and soul. This feast is celebrated with the Blessing of Grapes, symbolizing gratitude for God’s blessings and the sanctity of creation. It reflects the deep reverence for the Virgin Mary as a source of intercession and a model of devotion for all Christians.

  • The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

    The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

    The Exaltation of the Holy Cross honors the discovery of the True Cross by St. Helena and its veneration as a symbol of salvation. This feast calls believers to embrace the Cross as a source of hope, redemption, and victory. It serves as a reminder of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice and the power of the Cross in our daily lives.

  • The Holy Translators Day

    The Holy Translators Day

    The Holy Translators Day celebrates the saints who created the Armenian alphabet and translated the Bible into Armenian. Their work preserved the Armenian language, faith, and culture, and this day honors their enduring legacy. It is a tribute to the intellectual and spiritual achievements that continue to shape Armenian identity today.

  • St. Stephen - The Protodeacon and First Martyr

    St. Stephen - The Protodeacon and First Martyr

    St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr and protodeacon, is celebrated for his unwavering faith and devotion. His example reminds the faithful of the courage to stand firm in their beliefs, even in the face of persecution. The day also calls for reflection on service to the Church and the willingness to follow Christ’s example of love and sacrifice.

"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."

— 2 Timothy 1:7