Under the auspices of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, the Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia observed the Feast of St. Gregory the Illuminator’s Descent into the Pit (Khor Virab) and the Catholicosate’s Pilgrimage Day on March 17th and 18th, 2024, at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias.
On Sunday, March 18th, the Divine Liturgy was conducted by His Eminence Magar Archbishop Ashkarian, who delivered a sermon emphasizing the Christian way of life as one that should be harmonious and aligned with heavenly principles, drawing inspiration from the life of St. Gregory the Illuminator.
Following the liturgy, His Holiness led a traditional procession around the Courtyard of the Catholicosate with the relic of St. Gregory’s right hand, accompanied by clergy holding relics of other saints. This procession returned to the Altar for the blessing of water by the relic. The relics of St. Gregory the Illuminator, St. Sylvester, St. Nicholas, and St. Barsauma remained on the Altar for the people to venerate.
Notably, on Saturday, March 17th, a Divine Liturgy in the morning and a vigil service in the evening were held to commemorate the feast and the pilgrimage day respectively. These services were presided over by His Holiness Aram I, who delivered his message for the occasion.
