For many people in the Southland, Christmas falls on January 6

89.3 KPCC, CA
Jan 6 2010

Many people in the Southland are still exchanging Christmas greetings.
That’s because no small number of the close to a quarter-million
people of Armenian descent in these parts traditionally mark the day
in January. KPCC’s Cheryl Devall has more about the observance.

The Armenian Apostolic Church marks the birth of Jesus and the baptism
of his cousin John the Baptist on January 6. As with many Latinos,
that date also marks the Epiphany ‘ the visit of three kings or wise
men to Jesus’ birthplace.

In the Armenian tradition, religious and spiritual activities
predominate ‘ special liturgies, home blessings and family feasts are
part of the celebration.

This holiday, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian ‘ primate of the Armenian
Church in the western United States ‘ is touring California parishes.

Not a few Armenian Americans reserve gift exchanges for the 25th of
December ‘ and observe the Christmas season through this first week in
January.

any-people-southland-christmas-falls-january-6/

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

http://www.scpr.org/news/2010/01/05/m

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