On Friday, December 14th, 2018, the Feast of St. James of Nisibis was celebrated at the Catholicosate of Cilicia during which the Blessing of the Four Corners of the World (Antasdan) was performed with the relics of St James of Nisibis and St. Nicholas Wonderworker taken out from the Cilicia Museum. His Holiness Aram I presided over the Service and gave his pontifical message on this occasion.
Following the service, the congregation moved to the courtyard for celebration. V. Rev. Zareh Sarkissian delivered the welcoming remarks and after the countdown, His Holiness flicked the switch and the Christmas tree and the Manger were lit, and the sky was decorated with fireworks. Janine Markarian delivered the opening speech, after which AGBU-AYA and HMM fanfares, as well as the Youth Band of the Tekeyan Cultural Association performed Christmas songs, and Mkrtich Khantamirian Puppet theatre of Shushi, Artsakh, entertained the kids with pieces from their Christmas performances. Finally, characters from storybooks and Santa Clauses joined the celebration and delivered gifts to children. Also, the children of Naregatsi choir participated to the event by decorating the courtyard with their drawings and paintings.
All around the courtyard, kiosks were installed to serve food and beverages to the attendees.