The Armenian tradition of observing January 6 as Christmas rather than the more common December 25, or the Eastern Orthodox January 7, is what sets us apart as a distinct, ancient and traditional Christian nation. Armenians around the world celebrated the eve of Nativity and Theophany, as well as jrakalouytz or “shining forth” of the revelation of Christ, on Saturday, January 5, 2013. At Toronto Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, His Eminence Bagrat Galstanian, Primate of the Canadian Diocese, celebrated Divine Liturgy attended by parish Pastor, Rev. Arch. Father Zareh Zargarian. The church choir was led by Mr. Shahe Altounian and accompanied by Mrs. Diana Wanes. A special treat for all present was to hear visiting (from Armenia) soprano Tatevik Ashouryan.
During Divine Liturgy, Deacons Arthur Minas Selyan, Garbis Cicekian and Shahnoor Aynaciyan approached the Holy Altar in procession. Father Zareh ascended the altar and read the message from Holy Etchmiadzin. For their long years of serving the altar and choir of Holy Trinity, each of these worthy Deacons received a special “Gontag” or encyclical, from His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of all Armenians, as well as the high honour of the Soorp Nersess Shnorhali or St. Nersess the Graceful medal of appreciation.
Primate Galstanian addressed the honoured Deacons, noting that this encyclical and medal should not be the culmination of their work for their parish, but rather an inspiration for younger generations of stewards of the Church. Further, the Primate counselled the honoured Deacons not to take this honour as a reward, but rather as incentive to further deepen their dedication and service to our Church.
The solemn Armenian Christian Christmas greeting, both during the kiss of peace and for 40 days after Christmas, is “Christ is born and revealed to us” and the response is, “Blessed is the revelation of Christ.”
At the end of the Divine Liturgy, the choir sang the joyous Nativity hymn Khorhourt Medz yev Uskancheli or Profound Mystery, and Glorious, while the altar procession proceeded to the lobby of the Church, where House Blessing took place with the traditional blessing of water, salt and bread was performed, and
It was a joyful evening for all. The Parish Council served liqueurs and chocolates and the cheoreg or traditional sweet bread prepared by Mrs. Sona Mutevelli.
On Sunday, January 6, 2013, Holy Trinity was once again filled with prayers and celebration led by Rev. Archpriest Zareh Zargarian, the Deacons and Church Choir. Following the Divine Liturgy, the traditional blessing of the water symbolizing the baptism of Christ took place. The honour of the symbolic role of “Godfather” or St. John the Baptist, was given to Mr. Haig Selian, a devoted and long standing member of the Holy Trinity Armenian Church and community. The blessed water was distributed to the present faithful.
The members of Women’s Guild of Holy Trinity Armenian Church, under the leadership of Mrs. Jaklen Esagholian, had organized a lavish Christmas Luncheon for the parish. Magaros Artinian Hall was filled with decorated tables and traditional delicious foods. (By: Mona Selyan)
