EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (Khachverats), last of the five Tabernacle Feasts, is observed on Sunday closest to September 14, in the Armenian Orthodox Church.
THE ECUMENICAL COUNCIL OF NICAEA
The Nicean Council called to convene by Emperor Constantine the Great upon the recommendation of church leaders. Constantine invited 1,800 bishops of the Christian Church within the vast Roman Empire. The number attending varies, but the number 318 has come to be the agreed official number of delegates.
SAINTS JOACHIM AND ANNA AND THE OIL-BEARING WOMEN
On Tuesday, August 26, the Armenian Church commemorates Saints Joachim and Anna, parents of Mary, the mother of Christ. Joachim, son of Barpathir, was a descendant of King David, to whom God had revealed that the Savior of the world would be born through his descendants.
FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION OF THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD
On Sunday, August 17, the Armenian Church celebrates the Feast of the Assumption (Verapokhoum) of the Holy Mother of God and the Blessing of the Grapes. The word verapokhoum in classical Armenian means “transport up.”
FEAST OF THE SHOGHAGAT OF HOLY ETCHMIADZIN
The Feast of Shoghagat of Holy Etchmiadzin commemorates the inauguration of the Cathedral of the Mother See. The fifth century Greek historian Agathangelos tells us of St. Gregory the Illuminator’s divine vision, wherein our Lord Jesus Christ descends from Heaven and strikes the ground with His golden hammer.
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.
SAINTS THADDEUS AND SANDUKHT
On Saturday, following Transfiguration, the Armenian Church commemorates Saint Thaddeus, one of two apostles who preached in Armenia, and Saint Sandukht, daughter of King Sanadrouk, and the first martyr saint of the Armenian Church. It is not an exaggeration to say that these two—Thaddeus and Sandukht—were pioneer in bringing Christianity to Armenia in the first century. Princess Sandukht was converted to Christianity by Thaddeus, and she in turn converted many others.
FEAST OF THE TRANSFIGURATION
This Sunday, July 27, the Armenian Church celebrates one of her five Tabernacle Feasts—Transfiguration (Aylagerbutyoun / Vartavar). The Feast commemorates an episode in the New Testament recorded by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Peter. The Transfiguration took place on the “holy mountain” (believed to be Mt. Tabor) where Jesus had gone with Peter, James …
STS. SAHAG AND MESROB: THE HOLY TRANSLATORS
The Armenian Church and the Armenian language have helped Armenians defeat existential threats. The Armenian language as a factor in national survival is second only to the conversion of the Armenians to Christianity and the establishment of a national church. Thus, language has played a dual role for the Armenians: first, as a medium of communication; second and more important, as a cohesive force for national survival.
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.
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