The solemn observance of the Armenian Christmas Eve, on the evening of January 5, 2012, was celebrated by Rev. Archpriest Zareh Zargarian, the Pastor of Holy Trinity Armenian Church, accompanied by deacons and members of Church Choir led by Mr. Shahe Altounian. Guest Clergy from Coptic and Anglican Churches of Canada as well as the board members of St. Basil Anglican Foundation were present by invitation of Fr. Zareh to attend the Christmas Divine Liturgy. Fr. Zareh dedicated the Christmas mass to all Christian martyrs around the world and invited Father Ammonius Guirguis, Pastor of St. Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Church of Toronto to deliver Sermon of the day.
After the liturgy, the procession of clergy and faithful gathered in the church lobby, where the tradition of House Blessing took place with the participation of all clergy. It was a joyful evening for all. The Parish Council served liqueurs and chocolates and the sweet bread “cheoreg” prepared by Mrs. Sona Mutevelli.
On Friday, January 6, 2012, Holy Trinity was filled with prayers and celebration. His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian, the Primate of the Armenian Church of Canada celebrated the Divine Liturgy, assisted by Rev. Archpriest Zareh Zargarian, Fr. Isahak Poghosyan, the deacons and Church Choir. Following the liturgy, the traditional blessing of the water symbolizing the baptism of Christ took place, which was distributed to present faithful. The honor of the symbolic role of St. John the Baptist was given to Mr. Avedis Evran a devoted and long standing member of the Holy Trinity Armenian Church and previous chairman of the Parish Council.
In His Sermon, Bishop Galstanian stressed about the unique and important fact of Armenians celebrating the feast of Nativity on January 6th. The Armenian tradition of observing January 6 as Christmas rather than the more common December 25, or the Eastern Orthodox January 7, is what sets us apart as a distinct, ancient and traditional Christian nation. The solemn Armenian Christian Christmas greeting, both during the “kiss of peace” and for 40 days after Christmas, is “Christ is born and revealed to us” and the response is, “Blessed is the revelation of Christ.”
The members of Women’s Guild of Holy Trinity Armenian Church, under the leadership of Mrs. Rita Artinian, had organized a very nice Christmas Luncheon for the parish. The “Magaros Artinian” Hall was filled with decorated tables, great food and tasty dessert. Thank you to the attendees and their support.
