PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (E.)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Chris Zakian
Tel: (212) 686-0710; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
December 17, 2004
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ARMENIAN CHRISTMAS SERVICES AT ST. VARTAN CATHEDRAL TO TAKE PLACE ON
THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 2005
In accordance with the earliest Christian traditions concerning the
Nativity of Jesus Christ, the Armenian Church celebrates Christmas on
January 6. This holy occasion will be observed at the St. Vartan
Armenian Cathedral in Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Services. A
special liturgical schedule will be in effect on Wednesday and Thursday,
January 5 and 6, 2005. Please make a note of the times.
On ARMENIAN CHRISTMAS EVE–Wednesday, January 5– there will be an
Evening Service with Scripture Readings (by students from the Diocese’s
Khrimian Lyceum) at 6:30 p.m. The Divine Liturgy will immediately
follow, beginning at 7:30 p.m., celebrated by Fr. Mardiros Chevian, the
cathedral dean.
The St. Vartan Cathedral Youth Choir–with the participation of students
from the Diocese’s Khrimian Lyceum, and from area Diocesan Armenian
Saturday schools–will sing the Divine Liturgy, under the direction of
the Maro Partamian. A reception will take place following the services.
On ARMENIAN CHRISTMAS MORNING–Thursday, January 6–His Eminence
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the
Armenian Church of America, will celebrate the Divine Liturgy. The
Morning Service begins at 9:30 a.m., and the Divine Liturgy follows at
10:30 a.m.
This year, the sacred music will be sung by both the Gomidas Choir and
the St. Vartan Cathedral Choir, under the direction of Kris Kalfayan and
Maestro Khoren Mekanejian.
According to Armenian tradition, this feast day commemorates not only
the birth of Christ, but also His baptism by John the Baptist. The
latter is remembered through the “BLESSING OF WATER” ceremony, which
will follow the Divine Liturgy. Mr. Mark Gabrellian, of Wyckoff, NJ,
will serve as “godfather” of the Blessing of Water service.
After the cathedral January 6 church services, a HOME BLESSING SERVICE
AND CHRISTMAS RECEPTION will take place in Haik and Alice Kavookjian
Auditorium, featuring a dance presentation by the Akhtamar Dance
Ensemble. The reception is open to all; admission is free.
Armenian Christmas will also be observed at local parishes across the
Eastern Diocese. Please contact your local parish to ascertain the date
and time of its celebration.
St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral is located at 630 Second Avenue (corner of
34th Street and Second Avenue), in New York City. Armenian Christmas
Eve services begin at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 5. The Armenian
Christmas Morning Service on Thursday, January 6 will begin at 9:30
a.m., with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy beginning at 10:30
a.m., followed by the traditional Blessing of Water ceremony.
–12/17/04
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News
and Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Mark Gabrellian, of Wyckoff, NJ, will serve as
“godfather” of the Blessing of Water service at New York City’s St.
Vartan Cathedral on January 6, 2004.
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