CHURCHES TO BE OPEN ON DECEMBER 31

A1+
[04:40 pm] 25 December, 2006

Santa Claus, as is usually called in the West, was a clergyman,
Nikoghayos Patriarch.

Patriarch used to wander in the streets leaving money and presents on
the window sills of the poor. They say that Father Frost originated
from Nikoghayos Patriarch and the word "Santa Claus" originally meant
St. Nikoghayos. Thus, we can assume that children accept the presents
of the Santa Claus as gifts from God.

Christmas is one of the great holidays common among the Christians
all over the world. It implies deeper meaning and is associated with
the beginning of new life for all the human beings. It symbolizes
the birth of God’s son. Over 2000 years people have distinguished
between BC and AD connected with the birth of Jesus Christ.

Clergymen urge Armenians to see New Year in inside churches, to
contemplate over spiritual values and to get God’s blessing.

It is noteworthy that the central churches of the capital will be
opened on December 31 by 2:00 a.m.