The solemn observance of the Armenian Christmas Eve, on the evening of January 5, 2010, was celebrated by Rev. Archpriest Zareh Zargarian, pastor of Holy Trinity Armenian Church. Attending the liturgy were guest clergy: Rev. Dr. Karen Hamilton, General Secretary of The Canadian Council of Churches; Reverend Canon Harold Nahabedian and Rev. Archpriest Sarkis Gulyan.
The faithful of the parish gathered in the Holy Trinity Armenian Church to celebrate Nativity and Theophany of Jesus Christ.
Fr. Zargarian delivered the sermon in Armenian, followed by Rev. Dr. Hamilton’s Sermon in English.
After the liturgy, the procession of clergy and faithful gathered in the church lobby, where Fr. Zargarian blessed water, salt and bread, and showered the faithful with water. The evening took on a joyful note.
The Parish Council served cognac and liqueurs, chocolates and the sweet bread “cheoreg”. According to tradition, Father Zareh raised a toast wishing prosperity to our homelands Armeniaand Canada.
On the morning of Wednesday, January 6, 2009, Holy Trinity was filled with prayers and celebration. His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian, Primate of the Armenian Church Canadian Diocese, celebrated the Divine Liturgy, assisted by Rev. Archpriest Zareh Zargarian, parish priest and the deacons.
Immediately following the liturgy was the traditional blessing of the water symbolizing the baptism of Christ, and distribution to all the present faithful.
The honor of the symbolic role of St. John the Baptist was given to a long standing and dedicated member of the Armenian Church, Mr. Agopik Altounian, who was accompanied by his wife Mrs. Arpiné Altounian.
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.
All Armenians, the world over, are united on this happy day. 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.”
In His Sermon, the Primate stressed the importance of January 6th in the life of the Armenian people.
The members of Women’s Guild of Holy Trinity Armenian Church, under the leadership of Mrs.Rita Artinian, had organized a very nice Christmas Luncheon for the parish. The “Magaros Artinian” Hall was filled with decorated tables. Great food, tasty dessert. A big thank you to the attendees and their support.
