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    Categories: 2020

Armenia: Easter service held without believers

JAM News
 
 
12.04.2020
JAMnews, Yerevan
 
 
The Armenian Apostolic Church celebrated Easter without parishioners print for the first time on April 12.
 
The decision to do so was made by the Episcopal Council, headed by the Catholicos of all Armenians given the state of emergency in the country in effect from March 16 to April 14 due to the coronavirus epidemic.
 
However, the church ceremony on the occasion of the festival was broadcast live, as has been done in previous years for those unable to attend services.
 
The Catholicos of all Armenians during the liturgy said that the coronavirus pandemic that has spread throughout the world is a challenge to humanity, but that one must believe that the world will overcome this test.
 
As of April 12, 1,013 cases of infection have been detected in Armenia. Of these, 197 people have been cured, 803 continue treatment. There have been 13 deaths, and 7164 negative tests
 
This time around, believers celebrated Easter at home – with traditional sprouted wheat decoration, dyed Easter eggs, sweet rice pilaf with raisins and wine.
Emil Lazarian: “I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia . See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.” - WS