The Mother See marked the Day of Pilgrimage to the Holy Spear of Geghard; the Catholicos blessed the faithful
Today, the Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates the feast of Saints Thaddeus and Bartholomew the Apostles, which in 2015 was also proclaimed the Day of Pilgrimage to the Holy Spear of Geghard by a pontifical encyclical of the Catholicos of All Armenians. On the occasion of the feast, a Holy Liturgy was served at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, at the end of which Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II emerged from the Mother Cathedral and blessed the faithful. Published footage shows people approaching him and receiving the patriarchal blessing.
On the occasion of the feast, the Holy Spear of Geghard was brought to the Cathedral from the treasury of the Mother See. The relic will remain in the Cathedral for veneration by the faithful until 18:00, after which it will be returned to the treasury.
In a conversation with journalists, Father Yesayi Artenyan emphasized the role of the apostles and their message. According to him, through the preaching of Saints Thaddeus and Bartholomew, the Armenian people recognized the light of Christianity, which for centuries shaped the nation’s spiritual and cultural path.
This feast reminds us to be faithful to the messages of the Gospel. In our trials and difficulties, we have always received strength from God’s help. The blessing emanating from the Holy Spear continues to empower us today to remain on the true path, Father Yesayi noted.
On this day, a large number of faithful bow before the Holy Spear of Geghard, praying and receiving blessings. Let us remind you that the Holy Spear of Geghard will remain in the Mother Cathedral for veneration by the faithful until 18:00.