The Celebration of the Holy Week in Saint Gregory the illuminator
Armenian Cathedral of Montreal.
Maundy Thursday – April 5, 2012
On April 5, at 11:00 am in St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Cathedral of Montreal took place a morning mass, which was offered by Rev. Fr. Vazgen Boyajyan in remembrance of the last supper of our Lord Jesus Christ.
During this service was obvious the special presence of A.G.B.U’s “Golden Age’ Committee members, which were as of our Church tradition, every year on Maundy Thursday, they bring their participation to the church morning mass.
After the holy Mass a luncheon service was held with traditional lent food in “Vatche Hovepian” hall of the Church, prepared by A.G.B.U’s “Golden Age” Committee administrative members.
Before the lunch, His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanyan gave his blessings, after all in a cozy atmosphere, the parishioners started to taste the delicious lent food. Meanwhile, Mrs. Maro Markarian has performed with an Armenian poem, who with her charming voice admired all the parishioners.
At night at 19:00, the “Feet washing” ceremony was held by Rev. Fr. Vazgen Boyajyan, pastor, with the accompaniment of Bishop Bagrat Galstanyan, Primate. The ceremony was enriched with the presence of the deacons, and with the professional singing of “Komitas” Choir, under the direction of Maestro/Deacon Varoujan Margaryan.
After ‘Feet washing” ceremony, a lent supper was held in “Marie Manoogian” hall, prepared by Ladies Auxiliary of the Church, as an indication of the “Last Supper” of Jesus Christ.
After diner, prayer service resumed at 20:30 as an eclipse night to commemorate the betrayal of our Lord Jesus Christ. During this ceremony seven Bible readings from the Gospel were performed. His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanyan with his impressive voice sang a most powerful Armenian hymn titled “Where are you My Mother”. The parishioners left the church at mid night with love and prayer.
Good Friday – April 6, 2012-04-12
On April 6 at 19:00 the service of Good Friday held in St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Cathedral of Montreal, by Rev. Fr. Vazgen Boyajyan. The deacons on their shoulders carried the ceremonial tomb of Jesus Christ out into the street with a procession of parishioners, under the leadership of Bishop Bagrat Galstanyan. The procession circled the Church around the Stuart and Bernard Avenue. The parishioners passed under the tomb and kissed the Bible, after all they entered into the Church by singing, where the Divine Liturgy continued. At the end all the parishioners were invited to take a flower from the Holy Tomb.
Saturday Easter Eve – April 7, 2012
On Saturday night, Easter eve service began at 6:00 pm with celebrant Rev. Fr. Vazgen Boyajyan. The traditional Bible readings were done by the students of A.G.B.U. Armen Quebec Alex Manoogian School.
Afterwards, the blessing ceremony of bread, water, and salt offered by fr. Vazgen Boyajyan, and all the worshippers were invited to taste or take them to their homes.
Easter Sunday – April 8, 2012
The Holy Easter Mass began at 10:30 am with celebrant Rev. Fr. Vazgen Boyajyan. The Church was full with its maximum capacity with numerous of parishioners.
The singing was performed by “Komitas” Choir with the unique participation of the “Armenian Children’s Choir of Montreal”, conducted by Maestro/Deacon Varoujan Margaryan, accompanied by the organist Mrs. Houry Bedrossian.
A huge number of worshipers were present to take Holy Communion, after the passing of Lent period.
After the service, a traditional luncheon service held in “Marie Manoogian” hall, where the glamorous colours of well designed tables glittering into the eyes.
The tables were full of colourful eggs, Armenian Easter Cheoregs/cookies, and plenty of delicious foods, and appetizers all prepared by the precious and energetic accomplishments of Ladies Auxiliary of the Church. Thanks to the all ladies whose volunteer devotion always appreciated towards the Armenian Holy apostolic Church.
The Parishioners were passed a joyful time with each other, surrounded by their families on their tables; they left the hall with a happy memory of Easter celebration.
