Christmas Vigil service, consisting of the Vespers and the Divine Liturgy, was celebrated in St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias, presided by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, on the eve of the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of our Lord Jesus Christ, on Thursday, January 5^th, 2023.

At the end of the Divine Liturgy, the grand sacristan Arch. Gomidas Ohanian lit a candle from the altar, symbolizing the Light of Christ, and handed it over to the Catholicos, who in turn passed the light to the faithful. Following this, the Pontifical Procession, reciting “Khorthoort Medz,” proceeded to the Main Hall of the Catholicosate where Blessing of Home service was held.

Lastly, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I delivered a speech and raised prayers for the ingenious people of Artsakh, who are facing inhuman conditions due to the Azerbaijani blockade of the Lachin corridor. He exhorted the faithful to continue praying, especially on the occasion of the feast and ask God’s mercy. He reaffirmed the complete support and solidarity of the Holy See of Cilicia to Artsakh and asked the Lord to strengthen the faith of the Armenian nation, and grant justice and peace to Armenians and humanity.