The Feast of Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ Marked in Antelias, Lebanon

The Feast of Nativity and Theophany of our Lord Jesus Christ was marked at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias, Lebanon, on Thursday, January 6th, 2022. His Holiness Catholicos of Cilicia Aram I celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the pontifical sermon. Archbishop Gomidas Ohanian and Archbishop Shahan Sarkissian served at the altar alongside His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, while Shnorhali choir, led by V. Rev. Fr. Zaven Nadjarian, sang the Liturgy.

During the Liturgy, the blessing of the water ceremony was conducted, symbolizing the baptism of Christ that the Armenian Church celebrates on this day as well. According to the tradition, at the end of the service the faithful take a cup of the blessed water to their homes.

Consequently, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I delivered his message. He commenced the sermon citing the Book of Revelation (21:5): “I make all things new” and continued that the son of God was incarnated in Bethlehem to renew the world that was filled with sin and corruption. Christ became the source of life and revival, and with His birth values based on truth and integrity were established, stated His Holiness Catholicos Aram I. The feast of Nativity and Theophany serves as a reminder to the faithful that they belong to the Kingdom of Christ and should remain loyal to its principles, said His Holiness inviting everyone to renew their commitment to the Christian values in personal and community life…

This news was originally published on the Armenian Church Catholicosate of Cilicia, Antelias - Lebanon, website. Please click here to read the full text.