SAINT GREGORY THE THEOLOGIAN

This Saturday, February 1, the Armenian Church commemorates Saint Gregory the Theologian, also known as St. Gregory of Nazianzus, who is considered to be one of the great fathers of the Eastern Church. He was the son of the bishop of Nazianzus in Cappadocia. A great orator, his famous Five Theological Orations were powerful statements of faith and an eloquent defense of orthodoxy that earned him the title “the Theologian.” He also wrote poetry, letters, and with St. Basil compiled a selection of writings by Origen.

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HOLY FATHERS ATHANASIUS THE GREAT AND CYRIL, PATRIARCHS OF ALEXANDRIA

Saint Athanasius, pillar of Orthodoxy and Father of the Church, was born in Alexandria in 275, to pious Christian parents. Even as a child, his piety and devotion to the Faith were so notable that Alexander, the Patriarch of the city, took Athanasius under his protection.

With St Athanasius, the Church commemorates St Cyril (Kyrillos), also Archbishop of Alexandria (412-44). His lot was to defend the Faith against the heretic Nestorius, Patriarch of Constantinople, who denied that Christ in his Incarnation truly united the divine with the human nature. Cyril attempted in private correspondence to restore Nestorius to the Christian faith, and when this failed he, along with Pope Celestine of Rome, led the defense of Orthodoxy against Nestorius’ teaching.

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ST. VAHAN OF GOGHTN

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 …

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HOLY FATHERS STS. ATHANASIUS AND CYRIL

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…

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FEAST OF THE NAMING OF THE LORD

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 …

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HOLY APOSTLE JAMES AND JOHN THE EVANGELIST

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 …

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HOLY APOSTLES PETER AND PAUL

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 …

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ST. STEPHEN, FIRST DEACON AND FIRST MARTYR

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 …

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KING APKAR (APGAR) THE FIRST CHRISTIAN KING

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.

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ST. JAMES (HAGOP) OF NISIBIS | Ս․ ՅԱԿՈԲ ՄԾԲՆԱՅ ՀԱՅՐԱՊԵՏ

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…

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