States News Service
January 6, 2010 Wednesday

MINISTER KENNEY ISSUES STATEMENT RECOGNIZING CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS
BY ARMENIAN ORTHODOX CHRISTIANS

OTTAWA, Canada

The following information was released by Citizenship and Immigration
Canada (CIC):

The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and
Multiculturalism, issued the following statement on the celebration of
Christmas by Armenian Orthodox Christians:

I am pleased to extend my warmest wishes to Armenian Orthodox
Christians as they celebrate Christmas today.

For more than 1,700 years, Armenian Orthodox Christians have
celebrated Christmas on January 6, a day that coinciding with the
Epiphany commemorates both the birth and baptism of Christ.

Christmas is a time of profound importance and a time when rich
cultural and religious traditions are observed. Armenian Orthodox
Christians mark the holiday by attending church services in their
communities, visiting family, and gathering for festive meals on
Christmas Day.

During this season of hope and joy, I reflect on our great fortune in
living in a country that embraces diversity and finds strength,
stability, and unity in the coming together of the many cultures and
faiths of the world.

As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I offer
my best wishes to Armenian Orthodox Christians during their Christmas
celebration, and throughout this new year.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress