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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260712
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260713
DTSTAMP:20260415T171022
CREATED:20211010T095241Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240804T054345Z
UID:26995-1783814400-1783900799@armenianchurchsydney.org.au
SUMMARY:Feast of Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ (Vartavar)
DESCRIPTION:  \nThe Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ is one of the five main “Tabernacle” feasts of the Armenian Apostolic Church. It commemorates the transformation or the “transfiguration” that came over Jesus while He was praying.  Christ’s face shone like the sun and his clothes became a radiant and gleaming white. The Apostles Peter\, James and John witnessed that event which occurred on a high mountain named Tabor. \nEvangelists St Matthew\, St Mark and St Luke testify about the Transfiguration of Jesus in the Gospels (Matthew 17:1-13; Mark 9:1-12; Luke 9:28-36).\n“… As they looked on\, a change came over Jesus: his face was shining like the sun and his clothes were dazzling white. Then the three disciples saw Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus. So Peter spoke up and said to Jesus\, “Lord\, how good it is that we are here!  If you wish I will make three tents here\, one for you\, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”  \nWhile he was talking\, a shining cloud came over them\, and a voice from the cloud said\, “This is my own dear Son\, with whom I am pleased – listen to him!” \nWhen the disciples heard the voice\, they were so terrified that they threw themselves face downward on the ground. Jesus came to them and touched them. “Get up\,” he said\, “Don’t be afraid!” So they looked up and saw no one there but Jesus. (Matthew 17:2-8) \nIn the Armenian Church\, the Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ is celebrated 98 days following Easter. \nThe Feast is also known by the common name of  Vartavar: Festival of the Roses. Armenians would decorate the temple of the goddess Asdghig (goddess of love\, beauty\, fertility\, and water) with roses\, release doves and engage in water games on this popular pre Christian holiday. In modern times\, it’s a festival in Armenia where people drench each other with water. \nSt Gregory the Illuminator combined Vartavar with the Transfiguration. The fifth century historian Yeghishe wrote the prayer that is recited in church on this feast: “O Lord\, bless the harvest of this year and defend from all the perils\, and may your right hand\, O Lord\, protect us for the whole year.”
URL:https://armenianchurchsydney.org.au/event/feast-of-transfiguration-of-our-lord-jesus-christ-vartavar-2-2-2-2-2/
CATEGORIES:Major Feasts (Daghavarner)
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://armenianchurchsydney.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Transfiguration-3.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260816
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260817
DTSTAMP:20260415T171022
CREATED:20211010T100633Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240801T102404Z
UID:26938-1786838400-1786924799@armenianchurchsydney.org.au
SUMMARY:Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God (Asdvadzadzin)
DESCRIPTION:  \nEach year on the Sunday closest to the date of August 15\, the Armenian Church celebrates the Feast of the Assumption of St. Mary\, the Holy Mother of God. In the calendar of the Armenian Church\, this feast is the fourth of five major feasts that are commemorated\, and is the oldest one dedicated to St. Mary. \nIn the Holy Bible\, there is little information concerning the details of St. Mary’s life. As a result\, the story of her Assumption has been preserved and passed on to us through the Holy and Sacred Tradition of the Apostolic Church. \nFollowing the crucifixion of Jesus Christ\, the Holy Virgin remained in Jerusalem\, and lived under the care of St. John the Evangelist. For nearly 12 years\, St. Mary lived by praying\, fasting\, and often visiting the empty tomb of her beloved Son. During one such visit to the tomb\, the Archangel Gabriel appeared and gave her the news of her imminent assumption to heaven. St. Mary relayed the news to her relatives and all Christians\, asking them to bury her in the valley of Gethsemane. St. Mary also asked the Apostle John to celebrate a Divine Liturgy\, so she may receive Holy Communion one final time. After receiving Holy Communion\, St. Mary returned to her room. As the Apostles prepared to mourn her death\, St. John asked the Mother of God to leave an image of her face on a board of wood.  St. Mary took the board\, crossed herself and brought it close to her face.  Moistening the board with her tears\, she asked God that by means of the board\, people would be cured from disease.  As the Apostles surrounded St. Mary\, an indescribable light appeared. The Son of God and the angels of heaven appeared in the room. Upon seeing Christ\, St. Mary died. \nSt. Bartholomew the Apostle was absent and did not participate in the burial service of St. Mary. Upon his return to Jerusalem\, he wished to see St. Mary for the last time. Per his request\, the Apostles opened the tomb\, yet they did not find the remains of St. Mary.  According to His promise\, Jesus Christ had delivered His mother to His heavenly kingdom. The Apostles gave the board of St. Mary to St. Bartholomew for consolation.\nAccording to Moses of Khoren\, St. Bartholomew brought the board to Armenia. It is kept in the Province of Andzav\, in a location called Darbnots. Years later\, a church was built there in honour of St. Mary and a convent was opened. \nIn the Northern Hemisphere\, on the Feast of the Assumption of St. Mary\, the Ceremony of the Blessing of the Grapes is conducted and the harvest for the entire year is blessed on that day. In Australia\, the Blessing of the Grapes takes place on the last Sunday of January as per the seasonal availability of grapes. \nThe Armenian Church has a deep and abiding respect towards St. Mary.  Special emphasis is placed on her being a mother\, her honesty\, her unique spirit of humility\, her virtuous behaviour and her unselfish dedication. For Armenian women\, the Holy Virgin is the embodiment of virtue\, pious motherhood\, and the protector of family sacredness. \n 
URL:https://armenianchurchsydney.org.au/event/feast-of-the-assumption-of-the-holy-mother-of-god-asdvadzadzin-2-2-2-2-2/
CATEGORIES:Major Feasts (Daghavarner)
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://armenianchurchsydney.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Assumption-feast.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260913
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260914
DTSTAMP:20260415T171022
CREATED:20211009T064431Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240804T084145Z
UID:27114-1789257600-1789343999@armenianchurchsydney.org.au
SUMMARY:Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (Khatchverats)
DESCRIPTION:  \nThe Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is the last one of the five major feasts of the Armenian Apostolic Church. It is the most important feast among the feasts dedicated to the Holy Cross\, as it is dedicated to the history of the return of the Holy Cross from imprisonment\, its elevation and glorification. In the Armenian Apostolic Church the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is celebrated on Sunday during the period between September 11-17. \nThe dictionary defines “exaltation” as the state of praising highly\, or of raising something aloft to a superior position. According to early accounts\, the public adoration of the Cross of Christ\, when it was ceremoniously elevated before the faithful for veneration\, took place on three significant occasions. \nThe first occasion was by the apostle James in Jerusalem. While zealously preaching to a crowd\, he boldly raised a cross and cried out\, “We kiss the ground before your Cross\, O Christ. Lord\, you who were nailed to the Cross and shed your blood in sacrifice\, we bow down before your Cross.” \nIn the early days of Christianity\, the cross was viewed as an instrument of infamy and punishment used by the Romans. Jesus’ crucifixion was intended to stand (by the executors) as a warning that those who followed his teachings would incur severe punishment. One could not openly declare one’s Christian faith without serious consequences. Thus\, in James’ public adoration of the Cross of Christ and acknowledgment of Christ’s sacrifice\, the cross was transformed from a symbol of death to one of new life and victory. \nThe second occasion on which the Holy Cross was ceremoniously elevated before the faithful was when it was “discovered” by Queen Helena\, mother of the Emperor Constantine\, in 326 A.D. in Jerusalem. The “true cross” (the one on which Christ was crucified) was authenticated when a deceased man came alive after being placed on Christ’s cross. At that time Bishop Cyril\, the Patriarch of Jerusalem\, elevated the Holy Cross before the faithful crowd\, who witnessed the miracle and were inspired with awe. \nThe third auspicious occasion on which the Holy Cross was elevated and venerated\, was upon its return from captivity from the Persians. In the year 629 A.D. the Emperor Heraclitus\, leading a coalition of forces\, including Armenians\, recaptured the cross from the Persians and personally led his troops to return the Cross to Jerusalem. The king led the troops through Armenian lands\, a long journey from Constantinople to Jerusalem. It was an emotional experience for those Christian people of the East witnessing these events\, but especially the Armenians who had played a substantial role in the rescue of the precious cross. \nThe celebration of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in the Armenian Church takes place at the end of the Divine Liturgy. With great ceremony\, the clergy\, deacons and acolytes proceed around the church holding high the gleaming gold cross\, which is adorned with sprigs of fresh basil (a symbol of royalty)\, after which an antasdan service takes place. \nIn the antasdan service\, the four corners of the church are blessed as a sign of the sanctification of the world. Similar to the Feast of the Assumption\, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross is also related to the blessing of the harvest of fruits and their preservation: a time to give thanks for God’s blessings. Following the ceremony\, parishioners customarily take home a sprig of the sweet basil and use it for its healing properties. \nFor Christians\, the Cross is God’s power and strength on which Christ’s innocent blood was shed. By means of the Cross Jesus proved His love towards mankind and the Cross became for us the symbol of hope\, love and saving.
URL:https://armenianchurchsydney.org.au/event/feast-of-the-exaltation-of-the-holy-cross-khatchverats-2-2-2-2-2/
CATEGORIES:Major Feasts (Daghavarner)
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://armenianchurchsydney.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/IMG_0483.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20270106
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20270107
DTSTAMP:20260415T171022
CREATED:20211010T064638Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250519T093421Z
UID:28974-1799193600-1799279999@armenianchurchsydney.org.au
SUMMARY:Feast of the Holy Nativity & Theophany of our Lord Jesus Christ (Dznoont/Christmas)
DESCRIPTION:  \nEach year\, on January 6\, the Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates the Feast of the Holy Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ\, which is the commemoration of the Birth and Baptism of Jesus Christ. God was incarnated and appeared to the people. During the Baptism of Jesus\, God the Father said\, “This is my Son\, whom I love; with him I am well pleased” (Mt 3:17) and the Holy Spirit descended on Christ in the form of a dove\, so God appeared to the people for the second time. So\, both Theophanies revealed by means of the Birth and Baptism of Jesus Christ are celebrated in the Armenian Church jointly on January 6. The feast starts on the eve\, in the evening of January 5\, and is continued after midnight. On the eve\, a solemn Candlelight Divine Liturgy is celebrated and on January 6 a solemn Divine Liturgy is celebrated. \nAt the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy\, the mystery of our Lord’s Baptism in the River Jordan\, at the commencement of His ministry\, is remembered in the ceremony of the Churorhnek\, or the “Blessing of Water.” \nThe Celebrant priest pours three drops of Holy Muron into water\, signifying the Holy Trinity. The Holy Muron is poured into the water from a dove shaped container\, symbolising the appearance at the baptism of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove and the voice of the Father proclaiming to all that Jesus is His Son. \nThe cross\, which has been submerged in the water\, is then taken out. Traditionally a layperson is selected for this special privilege of holding the Cross. He is known as the “Godfather of the Cross” as he holds the Cross upright after it is taken out of the blessed water and welcomes the faithful to kiss the Cross as they receive the blessed water. \nAccording to tradition\, people take some blessed water with them to use it as a medicinal remedy for the sick. After the Blessing of the Waters Service the priests visit the houses of the faithful to proclaim the Christmastide Good News of the Birth of Jesus Christ. \n\n\n\nThe Gospel describes the birth of Jesus as follows: “In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. … And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea\, to Bethlehem the town of David\, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary\, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there\, the time came for the baby to be born\, and she gave birth to her firstborn\, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger\, because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Lk 2:1-7) \nThe Son of God was born in poverty\, in a manger. The witnesses of His Birth were the shepherds living out in the fields nearby\, whom the angels had appeared and brought the good news of the Birth of the Savior singing: “Glory to God in the highest\, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” (Lk 2:18) \nSoon afterwards some men who studied the stars came from the East and worshipped Baby Christ\, presented him with gifts and returned to their countries. \nDuring Holy Mass the faithful greet each other\, conveying the great tiding: “Kristos Dznav yev Haydnetsav”  (Christ is Born and Revealed) and receive the reply “Tsezi Mezi Medz Avedis” (To you and us the Good News).
URL:https://armenianchurchsydney.org.au/event/feast-of-the-holy-nativity-theophany-of-our-lord-jesus-christ-dznoont-christmas-2-2-2-2-2-2/
CATEGORIES:Major Feasts (Daghavarner)
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://armenianchurchsydney.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/baptism-of-christ2-armenia-e1634859034967.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20270328
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20270329
DTSTAMP:20260415T171022
CREATED:20211010T075404Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250520T061228Z
UID:29465-1806192000-1806278399@armenianchurchsydney.org.au
SUMMARY:Feast of the Glorious Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ (Easter Sunday/Zadig)
DESCRIPTION:  \nThe Feast of the Glorious Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ is one of the five major feasts of the Armenian Church. \nThe Mystery of Easter is the mystery of Jesus Christ\, His Holy Blood was shed and His Rising from the dead was for mankind. The Son of God should incarnate\, be subjected to tortures\, be crucified\, buried and the third day raise from death (Ps 15:9-11\, 29:4\, 40:11-13\, 117:16-17\, Ho 6:2-3). \nFollowing the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ\, His body was taken off the cross and placed into the tomb and the entrance to the tomb was closed by a large stone. The soldiers were ordered to watch the entrance to the tomb. After three days\, the three women who had followed Jesus from Galilee\, Mary Magdalene\, Mary\, the Mother of James and Joseph and the wife of Zebedee\, brought spices and perfumes to anoint the body of Jesus. They found the stone rolled away from the entrance to the tomb\, so they went in but they didn’t see the body of the Lord. They stood there puzzled about this\, when suddenly two angels dressed in white appeared and said to them\, “Why are you looking among the dead for one who is alive? He is not here\, he has been raised” (Lk 24:5-6). The women returned from the tomb and told all these things to the eleven disciples and the people. According to Peter\, more than 500 people saw Christ\, who had risen from the dead. \nChrist rose from the dead\, He destroyed Death and granted eternal life. \n“I am the Resurrection and I am the Life. Whoever believes in me will live\, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die” (Jn 11:25). \nThe Resurrection of Christ became the basis of the Christian doctrine and faith. “If that is true\, it means that Christ has been raised from death\, then we have nothing to preach and you have nothing to believe” (1 Co 15:13-14). \nChrist died for the salvation of mankind and by His Blood took away the sin in the world\, so that we should inherit eternal life. \nOn Easter Sunday\, the Andastan Service (the blessing of the four corners of the world) is conducted in the Armenian Church\, and during Holy Mass the faithful greet each other\, conveying the great tiding:  “Christ is Risen from the dead/ Kristos Haryav ee Merelotz” and receive the reply: “Blessed is the Resurrection of Christ/ Ornyal e Haroutyoun Kristosi” \nAt Easter we traditionally dye eggs red as a symbol of a fruitful life\, salvation and joy.  St Gregory of Datev considers the egg to be the symbol of the world\, the shell of which is the sky\, the membrane is the air\, the white is the water and the yolk is the earth. Dyeing eggs red symbolises the salvation of the world by means of the Blood of Christ. \nThe Armenian Church celebrates the Easter Feast on the first Sunday following the full moon of the vernal equinox\, with 35 days moveability\, during the period from March 21 –April 26.
URL:https://armenianchurchsydney.org.au/event/feast-of-the-glorious-resurrection-of-our-lord-jesus-christ-easter-sunday-zadig-2-2-2-2-2/
CATEGORIES:Major Feasts (Daghavarner)
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://armenianchurchsydney.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Easter.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20270704
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20270705
DTSTAMP:20260415T171022
CREATED:20211010T095241Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240804T054432Z
UID:26998-1814659200-1814745599@armenianchurchsydney.org.au
SUMMARY:Feast of Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ (Vartavar)
DESCRIPTION:  \nThe Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ is one of the five main “Tabernacle” feasts of the Armenian Apostolic Church. It commemorates the transformation or the “transfiguration” that came over Jesus while He was praying.  Christ’s face shone like the sun and his clothes became a radiant and gleaming white. The Apostles Peter\, James and John witnessed that event which occurred on a high mountain named Tabor. \nEvangelists St Matthew\, St Mark and St Luke testify about the Transfiguration of Jesus in the Gospels (Matthew 17:1-13; Mark 9:1-12; Luke 9:28-36).\n“… As they looked on\, a change came over Jesus: his face was shining like the sun and his clothes were dazzling white. Then the three disciples saw Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus. So Peter spoke up and said to Jesus\, “Lord\, how good it is that we are here!  If you wish I will make three tents here\, one for you\, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”  \nWhile he was talking\, a shining cloud came over them\, and a voice from the cloud said\, “This is my own dear Son\, with whom I am pleased – listen to him!” \nWhen the disciples heard the voice\, they were so terrified that they threw themselves face downward on the ground. Jesus came to them and touched them. “Get up\,” he said\, “Don’t be afraid!” So they looked up and saw no one there but Jesus. (Matthew 17:2-8) \nIn the Armenian Church\, the Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ is celebrated 98 days following Easter. \nThe Feast is also known by the common name of  Vartavar: Festival of the Roses. Armenians would decorate the temple of the goddess Asdghig (goddess of love\, beauty\, fertility\, and water) with roses\, release doves and engage in water games on this popular pre Christian holiday. In modern times\, it’s a festival in Armenia where people drench each other with water. \nSt Gregory the Illuminator combined Vartavar with the Transfiguration. The fifth century historian Yeghishe wrote the prayer that is recited in church on this feast: “O Lord\, bless the harvest of this year and defend from all the perils\, and may your right hand\, O Lord\, protect us for the whole year.”
URL:https://armenianchurchsydney.org.au/event/feast-of-transfiguration-of-our-lord-jesus-christ-vartavar-2-2-2-2-2-2/
CATEGORIES:Major Feasts (Daghavarner)
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://armenianchurchsydney.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Transfiguration-3.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20270815
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20270816
DTSTAMP:20260415T171022
CREATED:20211010T100633Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240801T102448Z
UID:26941-1818288000-1818374399@armenianchurchsydney.org.au
SUMMARY:Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God (Asdvadzadzin)
DESCRIPTION:  \nEach year on the Sunday closest to the date of August 15\, the Armenian Church celebrates the Feast of the Assumption of St. Mary\, the Holy Mother of God. In the calendar of the Armenian Church\, this feast is the fourth of five major feasts that are commemorated\, and is the oldest one dedicated to St. Mary. \nIn the Holy Bible\, there is little information concerning the details of St. Mary’s life. As a result\, the story of her Assumption has been preserved and passed on to us through the Holy and Sacred Tradition of the Apostolic Church. \nFollowing the crucifixion of Jesus Christ\, the Holy Virgin remained in Jerusalem\, and lived under the care of St. John the Evangelist. For nearly 12 years\, St. Mary lived by praying\, fasting\, and often visiting the empty tomb of her beloved Son. During one such visit to the tomb\, the Archangel Gabriel appeared and gave her the news of her imminent assumption to heaven. St. Mary relayed the news to her relatives and all Christians\, asking them to bury her in the valley of Gethsemane. St. Mary also asked the Apostle John to celebrate a Divine Liturgy\, so she may receive Holy Communion one final time. After receiving Holy Communion\, St. Mary returned to her room. As the Apostles prepared to mourn her death\, St. John asked the Mother of God to leave an image of her face on a board of wood.  St. Mary took the board\, crossed herself and brought it close to her face.  Moistening the board with her tears\, she asked God that by means of the board\, people would be cured from disease.  As the Apostles surrounded St. Mary\, an indescribable light appeared. The Son of God and the angels of heaven appeared in the room. Upon seeing Christ\, St. Mary died. \nSt. Bartholomew the Apostle was absent and did not participate in the burial service of St. Mary. Upon his return to Jerusalem\, he wished to see St. Mary for the last time. Per his request\, the Apostles opened the tomb\, yet they did not find the remains of St. Mary.  According to His promise\, Jesus Christ had delivered His mother to His heavenly kingdom. The Apostles gave the board of St. Mary to St. Bartholomew for consolation.\nAccording to Moses of Khoren\, St. Bartholomew brought the board to Armenia. It is kept in the Province of Andzav\, in a location called Darbnots. Years later\, a church was built there in honour of St. Mary and a convent was opened. \nIn the Northern Hemisphere\, on the Feast of the Assumption of St. Mary\, the Ceremony of the Blessing of the Grapes is conducted and the harvest for the entire year is blessed on that day. In Australia\, the Blessing of the Grapes takes place on the last Sunday of January as per the seasonal availability of grapes. \nThe Armenian Church has a deep and abiding respect towards St. Mary.  Special emphasis is placed on her being a mother\, her honesty\, her unique spirit of humility\, her virtuous behaviour and her unselfish dedication. For Armenian women\, the Holy Virgin is the embodiment of virtue\, pious motherhood\, and the protector of family sacredness. \n 
URL:https://armenianchurchsydney.org.au/event/feast-of-the-assumption-of-the-holy-mother-of-god-asdvadzadzin-2-2-2-2-2-2/
CATEGORIES:Major Feasts (Daghavarner)
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://armenianchurchsydney.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Assumption-feast.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20270912
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20270913
DTSTAMP:20260415T171022
CREATED:20211009T064431Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240804T084211Z
UID:27117-1820707200-1820793599@armenianchurchsydney.org.au
SUMMARY:Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (Khatchverats)
DESCRIPTION:  \nThe Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is the last one of the five major feasts of the Armenian Apostolic Church. It is the most important feast among the feasts dedicated to the Holy Cross\, as it is dedicated to the history of the return of the Holy Cross from imprisonment\, its elevation and glorification. In the Armenian Apostolic Church the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is celebrated on Sunday during the period between September 11-17. \nThe dictionary defines “exaltation” as the state of praising highly\, or of raising something aloft to a superior position. According to early accounts\, the public adoration of the Cross of Christ\, when it was ceremoniously elevated before the faithful for veneration\, took place on three significant occasions. \nThe first occasion was by the apostle James in Jerusalem. While zealously preaching to a crowd\, he boldly raised a cross and cried out\, “We kiss the ground before your Cross\, O Christ. Lord\, you who were nailed to the Cross and shed your blood in sacrifice\, we bow down before your Cross.” \nIn the early days of Christianity\, the cross was viewed as an instrument of infamy and punishment used by the Romans. Jesus’ crucifixion was intended to stand (by the executors) as a warning that those who followed his teachings would incur severe punishment. One could not openly declare one’s Christian faith without serious consequences. Thus\, in James’ public adoration of the Cross of Christ and acknowledgment of Christ’s sacrifice\, the cross was transformed from a symbol of death to one of new life and victory. \nThe second occasion on which the Holy Cross was ceremoniously elevated before the faithful was when it was “discovered” by Queen Helena\, mother of the Emperor Constantine\, in 326 A.D. in Jerusalem. The “true cross” (the one on which Christ was crucified) was authenticated when a deceased man came alive after being placed on Christ’s cross. At that time Bishop Cyril\, the Patriarch of Jerusalem\, elevated the Holy Cross before the faithful crowd\, who witnessed the miracle and were inspired with awe. \nThe third auspicious occasion on which the Holy Cross was elevated and venerated\, was upon its return from captivity from the Persians. In the year 629 A.D. the Emperor Heraclitus\, leading a coalition of forces\, including Armenians\, recaptured the cross from the Persians and personally led his troops to return the Cross to Jerusalem. The king led the troops through Armenian lands\, a long journey from Constantinople to Jerusalem. It was an emotional experience for those Christian people of the East witnessing these events\, but especially the Armenians who had played a substantial role in the rescue of the precious cross. \nThe celebration of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in the Armenian Church takes place at the end of the Divine Liturgy. With great ceremony\, the clergy\, deacons and acolytes proceed around the church holding high the gleaming gold cross\, which is adorned with sprigs of fresh basil (a symbol of royalty)\, after which an antasdan service takes place. \nIn the antasdan service\, the four corners of the church are blessed as a sign of the sanctification of the world. Similar to the Feast of the Assumption\, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross is also related to the blessing of the harvest of fruits and their preservation: a time to give thanks for God’s blessings. Following the ceremony\, parishioners customarily take home a sprig of the sweet basil and use it for its healing properties. \nFor Christians\, the Cross is God’s power and strength on which Christ’s innocent blood was shed. By means of the Cross Jesus proved His love towards mankind and the Cross became for us the symbol of hope\, love and saving.
URL:https://armenianchurchsydney.org.au/event/feast-of-the-exaltation-of-the-holy-cross-khatchverats-2-2-2-2-2-2/
CATEGORIES:Major Feasts (Daghavarner)
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20280106
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20280107
DTSTAMP:20260415T171022
CREATED:20211010T064638Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250519T093445Z
UID:28977-1830729600-1830815999@armenianchurchsydney.org.au
SUMMARY:Feast of the Holy Nativity & Theophany of our Lord Jesus Christ (Dznoont/Christmas)
DESCRIPTION:  \nEach year\, on January 6\, the Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates the Feast of the Holy Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ\, which is the commemoration of the Birth and Baptism of Jesus Christ. God was incarnated and appeared to the people. During the Baptism of Jesus\, God the Father said\, “This is my Son\, whom I love; with him I am well pleased” (Mt 3:17) and the Holy Spirit descended on Christ in the form of a dove\, so God appeared to the people for the second time. So\, both Theophanies revealed by means of the Birth and Baptism of Jesus Christ are celebrated in the Armenian Church jointly on January 6. The feast starts on the eve\, in the evening of January 5\, and is continued after midnight. On the eve\, a solemn Candlelight Divine Liturgy is celebrated and on January 6 a solemn Divine Liturgy is celebrated. \nAt the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy\, the mystery of our Lord’s Baptism in the River Jordan\, at the commencement of His ministry\, is remembered in the ceremony of the Churorhnek\, or the “Blessing of Water.” \nThe Celebrant priest pours three drops of Holy Muron into water\, signifying the Holy Trinity. The Holy Muron is poured into the water from a dove shaped container\, symbolising the appearance at the baptism of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove and the voice of the Father proclaiming to all that Jesus is His Son. \nThe cross\, which has been submerged in the water\, is then taken out. Traditionally a layperson is selected for this special privilege of holding the Cross. He is known as the “Godfather of the Cross” as he holds the Cross upright after it is taken out of the blessed water and welcomes the faithful to kiss the Cross as they receive the blessed water. \nAccording to tradition\, people take some blessed water with them to use it as a medicinal remedy for the sick. After the Blessing of the Waters Service the priests visit the houses of the faithful to proclaim the Christmastide Good News of the Birth of Jesus Christ. \n\n\n\nThe Gospel describes the birth of Jesus as follows: “In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. … And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea\, to Bethlehem the town of David\, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary\, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there\, the time came for the baby to be born\, and she gave birth to her firstborn\, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger\, because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Lk 2:1-7) \nThe Son of God was born in poverty\, in a manger. The witnesses of His Birth were the shepherds living out in the fields nearby\, whom the angels had appeared and brought the good news of the Birth of the Savior singing: “Glory to God in the highest\, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” (Lk 2:18) \nSoon afterwards some men who studied the stars came from the East and worshipped Baby Christ\, presented him with gifts and returned to their countries. \nDuring Holy Mass the faithful greet each other\, conveying the great tiding: “Kristos Dznav yev Haydnetsav”  (Christ is Born and Revealed) and receive the reply “Tsezi Mezi Medz Avedis” (To you and us the Good News).
URL:https://armenianchurchsydney.org.au/event/feast-of-the-holy-nativity-theophany-of-our-lord-jesus-christ-dznoont-christmas-2-2-2-2-2-2-2/
CATEGORIES:Major Feasts (Daghavarner)
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20280416
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20280417
DTSTAMP:20260415T171022
CREATED:20211010T075404Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250520T061316Z
UID:29468-1839456000-1839542399@armenianchurchsydney.org.au
SUMMARY:Feast of the Glorious Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ (Easter Sunday/Zadig)
DESCRIPTION:  \nThe Feast of the Glorious Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ is one of the five major feasts of the Armenian Church. \nThe Mystery of Easter is the mystery of Jesus Christ\, His Holy Blood was shed and His Rising from the dead was for mankind. The Son of God should incarnate\, be subjected to tortures\, be crucified\, buried and the third day raise from death (Ps 15:9-11\, 29:4\, 40:11-13\, 117:16-17\, Ho 6:2-3). \nFollowing the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ\, His body was taken off the cross and placed into the tomb and the entrance to the tomb was closed by a large stone. The soldiers were ordered to watch the entrance to the tomb. After three days\, the three women who had followed Jesus from Galilee\, Mary Magdalene\, Mary\, the Mother of James and Joseph and the wife of Zebedee\, brought spices and perfumes to anoint the body of Jesus. They found the stone rolled away from the entrance to the tomb\, so they went in but they didn’t see the body of the Lord. They stood there puzzled about this\, when suddenly two angels dressed in white appeared and said to them\, “Why are you looking among the dead for one who is alive? He is not here\, he has been raised” (Lk 24:5-6). The women returned from the tomb and told all these things to the eleven disciples and the people. According to Peter\, more than 500 people saw Christ\, who had risen from the dead. \nChrist rose from the dead\, He destroyed Death and granted eternal life. \n“I am the Resurrection and I am the Life. Whoever believes in me will live\, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die” (Jn 11:25). \nThe Resurrection of Christ became the basis of the Christian doctrine and faith. “If that is true\, it means that Christ has been raised from death\, then we have nothing to preach and you have nothing to believe” (1 Co 15:13-14). \nChrist died for the salvation of mankind and by His Blood took away the sin in the world\, so that we should inherit eternal life. \nOn Easter Sunday\, the Andastan Service (the blessing of the four corners of the world) is conducted in the Armenian Church\, and during Holy Mass the faithful greet each other\, conveying the great tiding:  “Christ is Risen from the dead/ Kristos Haryav ee Merelotz” and receive the reply: “Blessed is the Resurrection of Christ/ Ornyal e Haroutyoun Kristosi” \nAt Easter we traditionally dye eggs red as a symbol of a fruitful life\, salvation and joy.  St Gregory of Datev considers the egg to be the symbol of the world\, the shell of which is the sky\, the membrane is the air\, the white is the water and the yolk is the earth. Dyeing eggs red symbolises the salvation of the world by means of the Blood of Christ. \nThe Armenian Church celebrates the Easter Feast on the first Sunday following the full moon of the vernal equinox\, with 35 days moveability\, during the period from March 21 –April 26.
URL:https://armenianchurchsydney.org.au/event/feast-of-the-glorious-resurrection-of-our-lord-jesus-christ-easter-sunday-zadig-2-2-2-2-2-2/
CATEGORIES:Major Feasts (Daghavarner)
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20280723
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20280724
DTSTAMP:20260415T171022
CREATED:20211010T095241Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250520T101651Z
UID:29846-1847923200-1848009599@armenianchurchsydney.org.au
SUMMARY:Feast of Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ (Vartavar)
DESCRIPTION:  \nThe Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ is one of the five main “Tabernacle” feasts of the Armenian Apostolic Church. It commemorates the transformation or the “transfiguration” that came over Jesus while He was praying.  Christ’s face shone like the sun and his clothes became a radiant and gleaming white. The Apostles Peter\, James and John witnessed that event which occurred on a high mountain named Tabor. \nEvangelists St Matthew\, St Mark and St Luke testify about the Transfiguration of Jesus in the Gospels (Matthew 17:1-13; Mark 9:1-12; Luke 9:28-36).\n“… As they looked on\, a change came over Jesus: his face was shining like the sun and his clothes were dazzling white. Then the three disciples saw Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus. So Peter spoke up and said to Jesus\, “Lord\, how good it is that we are here!  If you wish I will make three tents here\, one for you\, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”  \nWhile he was talking\, a shining cloud came over them\, and a voice from the cloud said\, “This is my own dear Son\, with whom I am pleased – listen to him!” \nWhen the disciples heard the voice\, they were so terrified that they threw themselves face downward on the ground. Jesus came to them and touched them. “Get up\,” he said\, “Don’t be afraid!” So they looked up and saw no one there but Jesus. (Matthew 17:2-8) \nIn the Armenian Church\, the Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ is celebrated 98 days following Easter. \nThe Feast is also known by the common name of  Vartavar: Festival of the Roses. Armenians would decorate the temple of the goddess Asdghig (goddess of love\, beauty\, fertility\, and water) with roses\, release doves and engage in water games on this popular pre Christian holiday. In modern times\, it’s a festival in Armenia where people drench each other with water. \nSt Gregory the Illuminator combined Vartavar with the Transfiguration. The fifth century historian Yeghishe wrote the prayer that is recited in church on this feast: “O Lord\, bless the harvest of this year and defend from all the perils\, and may your right hand\, O Lord\, protect us for the whole year.”
URL:https://armenianchurchsydney.org.au/event/feast-of-transfiguration-of-our-lord-jesus-christ-vartavar-2-2-2-2-2-2-2/
CATEGORIES:Major Feasts (Daghavarner)
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20280813
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20280814
DTSTAMP:20260415T171022
CREATED:20211010T100633Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250520T103716Z
UID:29874-1849737600-1849823999@armenianchurchsydney.org.au
SUMMARY:Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God (Asdvadzadzin)
DESCRIPTION:  \nEach year on the Sunday closest to the date of August 15\, the Armenian Church celebrates the Feast of the Assumption of St. Mary\, the Holy Mother of God. In the calendar of the Armenian Church\, this feast is the fourth of five major feasts that are commemorated\, and is the oldest one dedicated to St. Mary. \nIn the Holy Bible\, there is little information concerning the details of St. Mary’s life. As a result\, the story of her Assumption has been preserved and passed on to us through the Holy and Sacred Tradition of the Apostolic Church. \nFollowing the crucifixion of Jesus Christ\, the Holy Virgin remained in Jerusalem\, and lived under the care of St. John the Evangelist. For nearly 12 years\, St. Mary lived by praying\, fasting\, and often visiting the empty tomb of her beloved Son. During one such visit to the tomb\, the Archangel Gabriel appeared and gave her the news of her imminent assumption to heaven. St. Mary relayed the news to her relatives and all Christians\, asking them to bury her in the valley of Gethsemane. St. Mary also asked the Apostle John to celebrate a Divine Liturgy\, so she may receive Holy Communion one final time. After receiving Holy Communion\, St. Mary returned to her room. As the Apostles prepared to mourn her death\, St. John asked the Mother of God to leave an image of her face on a board of wood.  St. Mary took the board\, crossed herself and brought it close to her face.  Moistening the board with her tears\, she asked God that by means of the board\, people would be cured from disease.  As the Apostles surrounded St. Mary\, an indescribable light appeared. The Son of God and the angels of heaven appeared in the room. Upon seeing Christ\, St. Mary died. \nSt. Bartholomew the Apostle was absent and did not participate in the burial service of St. Mary. Upon his return to Jerusalem\, he wished to see St. Mary for the last time. Per his request\, the Apostles opened the tomb\, yet they did not find the remains of St. Mary.  According to His promise\, Jesus Christ had delivered His mother to His heavenly kingdom. The Apostles gave the board of St. Mary to St. Bartholomew for consolation.\nAccording to Moses of Khoren\, St. Bartholomew brought the board to Armenia. It is kept in the Province of Andzav\, in a location called Darbnots. Years later\, a church was built there in honour of St. Mary and a convent was opened. \nIn the Northern Hemisphere\, on the Feast of the Assumption of St. Mary\, the Ceremony of the Blessing of the Grapes is conducted and the harvest for the entire year is blessed on that day. In Australia\, the Blessing of the Grapes takes place on the last Sunday of January as per the seasonal availability of grapes. \nThe Armenian Church has a deep and abiding respect towards St. Mary.  Special emphasis is placed on her being a mother\, her honesty\, her unique spirit of humility\, her virtuous behaviour and her unselfish dedication. For Armenian women\, the Holy Virgin is the embodiment of virtue\, pious motherhood\, and the protector of family sacredness. \n 
URL:https://armenianchurchsydney.org.au/event/feast-of-the-assumption-of-the-holy-mother-of-god-asdvadzadzin-2-2-2-2-2-2-2/
CATEGORIES:Major Feasts (Daghavarner)
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20280917
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20280918
DTSTAMP:20260415T171022
CREATED:20211009T064431Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250520T110017Z
UID:29919-1852761600-1852847999@armenianchurchsydney.org.au
SUMMARY:Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (Khatchverats)
DESCRIPTION:  \nThe Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is the last one of the five major feasts of the Armenian Apostolic Church. It is the most important feast among the feasts dedicated to the Holy Cross\, as it is dedicated to the history of the return of the Holy Cross from imprisonment\, its elevation and glorification. In the Armenian Apostolic Church the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is celebrated on Sunday during the period between September 11-17. \nThe dictionary defines “exaltation” as the state of praising highly\, or of raising something aloft to a superior position. According to early accounts\, the public adoration of the Cross of Christ\, when it was ceremoniously elevated before the faithful for veneration\, took place on three significant occasions. \nThe first occasion was by the apostle James in Jerusalem. While zealously preaching to a crowd\, he boldly raised a cross and cried out\, “We kiss the ground before your Cross\, O Christ. Lord\, you who were nailed to the Cross and shed your blood in sacrifice\, we bow down before your Cross.” \nIn the early days of Christianity\, the cross was viewed as an instrument of infamy and punishment used by the Romans. Jesus’ crucifixion was intended to stand (by the executors) as a warning that those who followed his teachings would incur severe punishment. One could not openly declare one’s Christian faith without serious consequences. Thus\, in James’ public adoration of the Cross of Christ and acknowledgment of Christ’s sacrifice\, the cross was transformed from a symbol of death to one of new life and victory. \nThe second occasion on which the Holy Cross was ceremoniously elevated before the faithful was when it was “discovered” by Queen Helena\, mother of the Emperor Constantine\, in 326 A.D. in Jerusalem. The “true cross” (the one on which Christ was crucified) was authenticated when a deceased man came alive after being placed on Christ’s cross. At that time Bishop Cyril\, the Patriarch of Jerusalem\, elevated the Holy Cross before the faithful crowd\, who witnessed the miracle and were inspired with awe. \nThe third auspicious occasion on which the Holy Cross was elevated and venerated\, was upon its return from captivity from the Persians. In the year 629 A.D. the Emperor Heraclitus\, leading a coalition of forces\, including Armenians\, recaptured the cross from the Persians and personally led his troops to return the Cross to Jerusalem. The king led the troops through Armenian lands\, a long journey from Constantinople to Jerusalem. It was an emotional experience for those Christian people of the East witnessing these events\, but especially the Armenians who had played a substantial role in the rescue of the precious cross. \nThe celebration of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in the Armenian Church takes place at the end of the Divine Liturgy. With great ceremony\, the clergy\, deacons and acolytes proceed around the church holding high the gleaming gold cross\, which is adorned with sprigs of fresh basil (a symbol of royalty)\, after which an antasdan service takes place. \nIn the antasdan service\, the four corners of the church are blessed as a sign of the sanctification of the world. Similar to the Feast of the Assumption\, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross is also related to the blessing of the harvest of fruits and their preservation: a time to give thanks for God’s blessings. Following the ceremony\, parishioners customarily take home a sprig of the sweet basil and use it for its healing properties. \nFor Christians\, the Cross is God’s power and strength on which Christ’s innocent blood was shed. By means of the Cross Jesus proved His love towards mankind and the Cross became for us the symbol of hope\, love and saving.
URL:https://armenianchurchsydney.org.au/event/feast-of-the-exaltation-of-the-holy-cross-khatchverats-2-2-2-2-2-2-2/
CATEGORIES:Major Feasts (Daghavarner)
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