The Eve of the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ to the Temple in Antelias Celebrated by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I

This news is shared from the website of the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia, Antelias, Lebanon.

On Thursday, February 13th, 2025, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, Catholicos of the Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, presided over the Eve of the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ to the Temple (Diaruntarach) at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias. The service included the Antasdan (Blessing of the Four Corners of the World), a presentation of children for blessing, and a traditional bonfire.

His Holiness addressed the faithful, emphasizing the significance of the feast and the importance of traditions in the life of the Church and Armenian people. Having declared the year as the “Year of Revival of Traditions,” the Catholicos discussed the role of the Armenian family, particularly the mother, the Church, and schools in nurturing Christian Armenians. He stated, “These three educators preserve God’s presence and instill our nation’s values in our children.”

Following his address, the Grand Sacristan, V. Rev. Fr. Oshin Tchvalertnian, brought a candle from the altar and passed it to the Catholicos, who initiated the lighting ceremony. The priests welcomed the children and led them in a circle around the altar to receive blessings. Afterwards, His Holiness led a procession to the courtyard, where he lit the traditional bonfire.

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This news was originally published on the website of the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia, Antelias, Lebanon.