NATIVITY OF THE HOLY VIRGIN MARY

Today, we celebrate the Nativity of the Holy Virgin Mary, the Holy Mother-of-God. The story of Mary’s birth is an amazing example of how God can work through impossible situations to bring about His divine plan. It’s a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness in our own lives and the importance of trusting Him, even when the odds seem stacked against us.

The parents of Mary, Joachim, and Anna were devout and faithful, but they had a challenge that seemed impossible to overcome—they were childless and had grown old. For years, they had prayed for a child, believing, trusting, holding onto faith—even when it seemed impossible. Year after year, seeing no sign of hope. But they never stopped believing and praying.

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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.

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SONS AND GRANDSONS OF ST. GREGORY

On Saturday, July 20, the Armenian Church commemorates the sons and grandsons of St. Gregory the Illuminator, namely, Sts. Aristakes, Vrtanes, Housik, Grigoris, and Daniel (who was not related, but was a distinguished and favorite student of St. Gregory). All of them continued the work of St. Gregory, preaching the word of Christ to pagans at great personal peril. Gregory had two sons, Aristakes and Vrtanes. Aristakes, the younger son, succeeded…

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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.

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TWELVE APOSTLES OF CHRIST AND SAINT PAUL, THE THIRTEENTH APOSTLE

Jesus selected twelve apostles to carry on His work and instructed them to preach and to baptize converts all over the world (Mt. 28:19-20). The word apostle derives from the Greek word apostellein  (arakyal in Armenian). The apostles dedicated their lives to spreading the Word and fulfilling the sacred mission entrusted to them. Their mission was not just to transmit the message but to put it into practice.

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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.

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ANNUNCIATION TO THE VIRGIN MARY

On April 7, the Armenian Church celebrates one of her greatest feasts – the Annunciation to St. Mary. In the Gospel of Luke we learn that the Angel Gabriel brings the good news to the Virgin about the birth of the Savior (Lk 1:26-38).

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ST. LEON AND HIS COMPANIONS

Today, as we remember St. Leon (Ghevont), the priest, and his companions, we are reminded of the profound sacrifice and unwavering faith that have shaped our history and sustained our Armenian spirit through the ages. St. Ghevont’s life and actions during the Vartanantz war stand as a beacon of courage and divine commitment, illuminating the path of righteousness for all of us, especially those called to serve in the priesthood.

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VARTANANTS: FROM AVARAYR TO NVARSAG

Every year, on the Thursday preceding the Great Lent, Armenians throughout the world celebrate Vartanants Day in commemoration of one of their most heroic struggles. It was a war of human rights between Zoroastrian Persia and Christian Armenia in the year 451. The cause was freedom of conscience, freedom of religion. In 387, Armenia came under the control of the then-two superpowers: the Byzantine and Persian empires. The Persian Empire had ambitions for world domination. It wanted …

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THE FAST OF CATECHUMENS

The Fast of Catechumens is unique to the Armenian Church, and It is observed on Monday preceding the feast of St. Sarkis. In the ancient times, the custom was to fast for five days, however, today the fast is extended over three days…

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