It is an Armenian tradition to commence the new year in prayer, giving glory to God for the past year, and seeking good fortune for the year ahead.
The Primate His Eminence Archbishop Haigazoun Najarian celebrated Holy Mass in the Diocese’s Mother Holy Resurrection Church on 1 January 2023 and conducted the traditional blessing of pomegranate service, delivering the homily; referring to the reading from the book of Ecclesiastes chapter 3, “There is a time for everything, ….” “Today it is the first day of 2023 and I am pleased that you have come to the church to raise prayers, despite all the difficulties faced, you have come to pray for this year.
“I wish you all good health. I personally wish peace to your souls; you need to have peace in order to share it with others. Share that peace to your brothers and sisters in Syria, Lebanon and Artsakh who live in unenviable conditions. Give to those who are in need in the four corners of the world. Let us come together before the altar of God and give to achieve our common goals. Let us take courage to work together, let us not make the mistakes of the past. May the new year be a blessing to all of us,” concluded the Archbishop.
