Armenian Apostolic Holy Church The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On February 14, the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ to the Temple commemorating the presentation of the 40-day-old Christ Child to the Temple in Jerusalem.

The festivities began on the evening of February 13, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. With the Blessings of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, Evening Service was offered in the St. Gayane Monastery, which was attended by the Brotherhood of the Mother See.

The Evening Service was followed by the Eve of the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ to the Temple, presided by His Grace Bishop Moushegh Babayan, Grand Sacristan of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, which was followed by Andastan Service;  the four corners of the world were blessed.

Then, the Pontifical Procession went to the courtyard of the Monastic residence, where a traditional bonfire was lit by His Grace Bishop Moushegh Babayan, Grand Sacristan of the Mother See, in the symbolism of the Light and Wisdom of Christ. The Seminarians of the Gevorkian Theological Seminary and members of the Brotherhood recited psalms and sang national songs.

The Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ to the Temple, with the Blessings of the Armenian Pontiff, has also been proclaimed as the Blessing day of the newlyweds.

On February 14, at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, a Service of Blessing for the newly married will be offered in all Churches.