THE HOLY APOSTLES ANDREW AND PHILIP
The word apostle refers to the special inner circle of Jesus’ disciples, chosen by Jesus to accompany Him during His ministry, to learn from Him, follow His instructions and continue his work….
FEAST OF THE HOLY TRANSLATORS
The October commemoration of the Feast of the Holy Translators focuses on the creation of the Armenian alphabet (406) and on the accomplishments of the Holy Translators. Mesrob Mashdots, the founder of the alphabet, and Catholicos Sahag, together with some of their students…
ST. JOHN THE FORERUNNER AND JOB THE RIGHTEOUS
The Armenian Church commemorates St. John the Forerunner and Job the Righteous. St. John the Forerunner, also known as John the Baptist (Hovhannes Mgrdich), is an important figure in the Gospels. He is recognized as the “forerunner” (garabed) to the Messiah.
TWO HUNDRED HOLY FATHERS OF THE THIRD ECUMENICAL COUNCIL OF EPHESUS
The Armenian Church commemorates the 200 Holy Fathers of the Council of Ephesus (431 AD). Ephesus, the third general ecumenical council, was convened by order of Emperor Theodosius II to settle the Nestorian heresy. A large number of high-ranking church leaders attended, headed by Patriarch Cyril of Alexandria.
DISCOVERY OF THE RELICS OF ST. GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR
The Armenian Church observes three feast days dedicated to St. Gregory the Illuminator (Krikor Lousavorich) St. Gregory is considered to be the “Apostle of Armenia,” and the patron saint of the Armenian Church. He preached throughout Armenia, built churches, including the great cathedral in Etchmiadzin, established the first canon laws, wrote many prayers, and organized the liturgical services.
ST. NERSES THE GREAT AND BISHOP KHAT
Khat the Bishop worked closely with St. Nerses the Great. Like Nerses he had great passion for social issues, especially helping the poor. Nerses entrusted most of the benevolent work of the church to Khat. He is so closely associated with St. Nerses that the church honors them on the same day.
THE ILLUMINATOR’S DELIVERANCE FROM THE PIT
Saturday, June 1, is the Feast of St. Gregory the Illuminator’s deliverance from the pit Gregory is revered as the patron saint of the Armenian Church. He is recognized and memorialized in both eastern and western hierarchical churches. The Armenian liturgical calendar reserves three feast days in his honor: Entrance into the pit; deliverance from the pit, and discovery of relics.
STS. BASIL (THE GREAT) AND HIS BROTHER GREGORY OF NYSSA, SYLVESTER THE PATRIARCH OF ROME, AND FATHER EPHREM THE SYRIAN
The Armenian Church commemorates the Holy Fathers Basil, Gregory of Nyssa, Sylvester of Rome, and Ephrem the Syrian. St. Basil “the Great” was an intellectual and exceptional leader who helped spread Christianity. St. Gregory of Nyssa was the younger brother of Basil. St. Sylvester served as the Bishop of Rome for more than twenty years. St. Ephrem the Syrian lived in Mesopotamia (Syria)…
HOLY TRANSLATORS
The Armenian Church calendar lists the following saints under the title “Holy Translators”: The group of saints labeled as Holy Translators includes the familiar names of Sahag and Mesrob, but also the names of a 5th-century historian, a 6th-century grammarian, a 6th-century philosopher, a 10th-century poet, and a 12th-century theologian….
COUNCIL OF CONSTANTINOPLE
On Saturday, March 1, 2025, the Armenian Church commemorates the 150 Fathers of the Council of Constantinople, the second ecumenical council convened by Emperor Theodosius in 381. This council confirmed the work of the first council at Nicaea and added articles to the Nicene Creed regarding the Holy Spirit, the Church, Baptism, and Resurrection.
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