St. Vahan of Goghtn was the son of an Armenian prince who was abducted at age four by the Arabs. He grew up in the royal court in Damascus and received instruction in Islam. Catholicos John of Odzoon negotiated an agreement with the Arab emir for the repatriation of many Armenians who were held captive. Vahan, who was aware of his Christian heritage, wished to return …
In January, the Armenian Church commemorates the Holy Fathers Athanasius and Cyril. Athanasius is known as the “champion of orthodoxy” and “Father of Orthodoxy.” He served as bishop of Alexandria for 45 years . He attended the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. He is respected and revered in the Armenian Church. Cyril of Alexandria succeeded his uncle, Theophilus…
Every January 13, the Armenian Church celebrates the Feast of the Naming of our Lord Jesus Christ, in accordance with the Hebrew custom. The commemoration of this event (see Matthew 1:20-23; Luke 1:30-32; Luke 2:21) comes seven days after the Feast of Theophany, which is the eighth day of the octave of Theophany. This event of the naming and circumcision of our Lord resulted …
On Saturday, December 28, the Armenian Church commemorates the Holy Apostle James and John the Evangelist. Both held prominent positions among the twelve apostles, and they were called “Sons of Thunder” by Jesus (Mark 3:17) probably because they were impetuous and quick tempered as suggested in Luke …
The Holy Apostles Paul and Peter, were perhaps the two individuals who had the greatest role in the growth and spread of Christianity. Peter was renowned for his oratory skills, and he used his talent to spread the Word. Paul was an oppressor of the early Christians until on the road to Damascus he converted when a brilliant light blinded him and he heard …
On Tuesday, December 24, the Armenian Church commemorates St. Stephen first deacon and proto-martyr. After Christ’s ascension, the apostles went about spreading the Word. It soon became apparent that more people were needed to serve the growing church community. Seven worthy individuals were called upon to …
According to Armenian tradition, St Abgar was the first Christian king of the 1st century, the son of the Parthian king Arshakunie Arsham. He was also called “senior man” as he was the wisest of all and a genius. Historian Moses of Khoronk, Assyrian historian Labubnia of Edessa, Greek historians Procopis and Yeusebius have all written of King Abgar. He built the city of Edessa on the site where the Armenian army protected the river crossing of the Euphrates from the Roman captain Casius. Later the king moved the royal palace and all idols from Nisibis to that city.
St. James (Hagop) of Nisibis (Mdzbin) participated in the first ecumenical council in Nicaea (325), where he earned great respect from the Emperor Constantine and the other attendees. He Was born and died in the city of Nisibis (Nusbyien) located in what is now southeastern Turkey, an important early Christian center in Asia Minor and a…
The Armenian Church remembers St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, a fourth century Bishop of Myra, Lycia in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Nicholos was a defender of orthodoxy and because of many miracles attributed to his intercession he is called “the Wonderworker.” He was a secret and generous giver of gifts, and some believe …
This Saturday, November 30th, the Armenian Church commemorates Saints Thaddeus and Bartholomew, two of the twelve apostles who were the first evangelizers of Armenia, and were martyred there, giving the Armenian Church its apostolic identity and earning them the title, “First Enlighteners of Armenia.” …
