A Joyful Celebration of Christmas at St. Gregory Church

Hovhaness Baljian, 11, pictured with his father, Fr. Stephan Baljian, Pastor of Saint Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church, serves as Godfather of the cross for the Blessing of Water ceremony on Monday, January 6

​      The Feast of the Holy Nativity & Theophany of Jesus Christ, commemorating our Lord's birth and baptism was celebrated January 5 and 6, 2025.
     On Sunday evening, January 5, over seventy faithful parishioners gathered to hear the eleven Old Testament scripture readings that prefigurate the revelation of the Messiah, and which make up the ancient service of Jrakalooyts, or "Lighting of Lanterns." Our Sunday/Armenian School students participated by reading each of the readings.
​     The Reverend Fr. Vart Gyozalyan, pastor of Holy Archangels Armenian Church in Haverhill, was in attendance at Der Stephan's invitation.  Following the Divine Liturgy and Holy Communion, the participants, led by both priests, processed downstairs to Jaffarian Hall. After the reading of the Nativity Gospel telling about the Angels' heralding of the birth of Christ to the shepherds, the clergy blessed bread, salt and water in the traditional house blessing service of our spiritual home, Saint Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church and Jaffarian Hall.

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    The following morning, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated by the church's pastor, Fr. Stephan Baljian. Deacons John Saryan and Shant Eghian served at the Holy Altar, assisted by students from our Sunday School. Ms. Knarik Nerkararyan directed the choir from the organ. 
    Following the Divine Liturgy, a procession was formed and Dn. John Saryan solemn carried the dove-shaped vessel containing the Holy Chrism (Muron) from the baptismal font up to the holy altar. The Blessing of Water (Churorhnek) ceremony was offered, during which Hovhaness Baljian served as Godfather (Gunkahayr) of the Holy Cross.

     Following the day's services, a community fellowship luncheon was hosted by the Board of Trustees. All were joyful amid a festive and fraternal atmosphere.  Der Hayr moderated a few rounds of a fierce trivia competition, followed by more fun with BINGO and prizes. One couldn't help but notice that God's favor seemed to rest on the Godfather of the day, Hovig Baljian, who won one of the trivia rounds and several games of BINGO.