On January 6, 2013 the Armenian Apostolic Church celebrated the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of our Lord Jesus Christ. This combined celebration of Christ’s Nativity and Baptism in the River Jordan is called Theophany.

On Sunday, His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian, Primate of the Armenian Church Canadian Diocese celebrated Holy Divine Liturgy, delivered the Christmas Sermon and officiated the Blessing of the Water Ceremony at St. Gregory Armenian Cathedral in Montreal. Bishop Galstanian was assisted by Rev. Fr. Vazgen Boyajyan, Pastor of the Cathedral. Serving on the altar were the deacons and acolytes of the Church. The Komitas Choir, under the direction of Maestro Varuzhan Margaryan, sang the Divine Liturgy.

In his sermon, Srpazan spoke about the Feast of the Holy Nativity and Theophany of our Lord Jesus Christ adding that this is the Feast of our identity as Armenian Christians. CLICK HERE to view the sermon of the Primate.

Following the sermon, the traditional ceremony of the Blessing of the Water took place and Mr. Armen Bechakjian, Chairman of the AGBU Alex Manoogian School Board, served as Cross Bearer.

On this auspicious day, Primate Galstanian was honored with the presentation of the Diamond Jubilee Medal of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.  In his introduction, Mr. Chahe Tanachian, director of the Alex Manoogian School, spoke to the faithful and said that it’s an ancient Armenian tradition to acknowledge within each family the contributions and achievements of  a deserving member.   With this regard, he continued by saying that “it is joyful for our big Can adian Diocesan family, to witness our Primate as recipient of this prestigious recognition.” He then introduced Mr. Alexandre Boulerice, Member of Parliament for the Rosemont – La Petite-Patrie riding in Montreal, who presented the Diamond Jubilee Medal, on behalf of Mr. Thomas Mulcair, leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada and Member of Parliament for Outremont. Mr. Boulerice, bestowed the medal in acknowledgement and appreciation of our Primate’s significant contributions and dedicated service to our community and for the country.

In his words of greeting, Mr. Boulerice commended the efforts and stressed the importance of the ongoing initiatives that our Diocese is realizing under the leadership of His Eminence, ranging from care and spiritual needs of our faithful, to the development of essential educational programs, establishment of vital social services and co-ordination of the integration of new immigrants.

Primate Galstanian thanked Mr. Boulerice for this honor and wonderful gesture and said that he “accepts this medal on behalf of each and every Canadian-Armenian here in the Cathedral and throughout Canada who also strive to bring their efforts and contributions to sustain the wellbeing and betterment of our communities and this country. Srpazan asked Mr. Boulerice to convey his good wishes and gratitude to the Hon. Thomas Mulcair, Leader of the Official Opposition who was instrumental for this kind nomination.

In conclusion, the capacity full Church gathering of the faithful of the community enjoyed the AGBU Scouts Fanfare who played Christmas music to celebrate this holy and festive season. CLICK HERE to view AGBU Scouts fanfare playing Christmas music.

The joyful ceremony ended with a reading from the Holy Bible and blessings of the Primate.