The community of St. Sarkis Church celebrated the Feast of the Nativity and Epiphany of our Lord Jesus Christ, following the traditions of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Christmas Eve services took place on Sunday, January 5, 2025, and included vespers, the reading of sacred Scripture passages, and the Divine Liturgy. Father Nareg delivered a short sermon based on the verse from the Prophet Isaiah: “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light” (Isaiah 9:2). He emphasized that we gather in anticipation of the birth of the Light—Jesus, the Light of the World—who brings us hope, peace, and salvation. He encouraged the congregants to embrace their faith and be a light to others as they lit their candles at the conclusion of the Christmas Eve services.
On Monday, January 6, 2025, the community continued the celebration of the Feast of the Nativity and Epiphany. Father Nareg Terterian presided over the Divine Liturgy and delivered a sermon. He spoke about the mystery of the incarnation of Christ and His birth as a vulnerable child. Quoting the Prophet Isaiah, he said, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,” and he noted that if the birth of any child brings joy to their parents and family, then the birth of this divine child brings hope to all of creation and grants access to eternal life.
Following the Badarak, a Blessing of Water Service was held, symbolizing Christ's baptism in the River Jordan. Tonee Marino served as the Godfather of the Cross. After the church service, the parishioners received the blessed water.
Despite the snow and cold weather, our faithful parishioners attended the Nativity services at St. Sarkis Church, and we truly hope they felt the many blessings that the birth of Christ brings to our hearts.
Քրիստոս Ծնաւ եւ յայտնեցաւ
"Christ is born and revealed."
Օրհնեալ Է Յայտնութիւն Քրիստոսի
"Blessed is the revelation of Christ."