On Friday, February 14, the Armenian Church observes the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord to the Temple, a beautiful story from the infancy of Jesus, in which he is confirmed as the Holy Messiah or Christ—the world’s long-awaited savior. In Armenian, it is known as Dyarnuntarach, or “the bringing forward of the Lord.”
Forty days after Jesus’ birth, Mary and Joseph brought their baby to the temple, as was the pious custom at the time. There they encountered Simeon, an elderly and devout man who had prayed to God to keep him alive until he could see the savior promised to mankind.
When Simeon saw Mary and her baby, he sensed God’s presence, and said: “Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word. For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to thy people Israel” (Luke 2:29-32).
