Armenian Apostolic Holy Church The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On January 05, on the Eve of the Feats of the Holy Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ, under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; Candlelight Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the St. Gayane Monastery, which was attended by the members of the Brotherhood of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and the Armenian faithful.

The Celebrant was His Eminence Archbishop Paren Avedikian, a member of the Brotherhood of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. Prior to the Divine Liturgy, an Evening Service was held and different Bible passages were read, then four Deacons of Mother See read the Prophecy of Daniel.

During the Divine Liturgy, His Eminence reflected on the sacrament of the Feast. Archbishop Paren affirmed that the Son of God was born, became incarnated and was put in the manger for the salvation of mankind. His Eminence Archbishop Paren emphasized that Christ, with His Revelation, brought peace to the world, a peace that was completely different from the human peace that had existed before.

In the conclusion, His Eminence Archbishop Paren urged those present to accept the incarnate Son of God in their hearts; to be filled with the peace granted by Christ, singing with the Angels: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace, good will to mankind” (Luke 2:14).
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, His Holiness ascended the Holy Alter and lit a candle, so that the faithful have the opportunity to light their own candles, and take the light to their home symbolizing the light of the revealed Son of God.
Then, the Brotherhood of the Mother See gathered in the Pontifical Residence, where under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenian; a Christmas Home-Blessing Service was offered.