The Armenian Apostolic Church Celebrated the Christmas Eve Liturgy
Today, at 5:00 PM, the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church held the Christmas Eve Divine Liturgy.
The Armenian Church consistently celebrates the Nativity of Jesus Christ on January 6. Preparations for the feast begin on December 29 with the Advent fast’s Barekendan. On the following day, December 30, the Nativity fasting week starts, encompassing the New Year’s celebration. The fast ends on January 5. That evening, the Christmas Eve Divine Liturgy is held in all churches.
The Christmas Eve Divine Liturgy is celebrated only twice a year—on the eves of the Feasts of Nativity and Resurrection. The term Jragaluys translates to “lighting the lamp.” On this evening, people take lit candles from the church to their homes, symbolizing divine light and the church’s blessing. The lit candle also represents the light of the Bethlehem star that guided the Magi to the Christ Child.
On the day following any of the five major feasts of the Armenian Apostolic Church, a memorial day (Merelots) is observed. One of these major feasts is the Nativity, celebrated on January 6. After the Divine Liturgy in churches, it is customary to visit the graves of relatives and loved ones.