Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord

“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him.’ … And lo, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy; and going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts—gold and frankincense and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:1–11, RSV)

The Armenian Church celebrates the holy birth (Sourp Dznount) of Jesus Christ on January 6. In Armenian tradition, this feast commemorates not only the Nativity of Christ, but also His baptism by John the Baptist. The latter is remembered through the Blessing of Water ceremony, which follows the Divine Liturgy on the same day.

The Blessing of the Water (Ջրօրհնէք) will take place on Sunday, January 11, following the Badarak at St. Mary Armenian Church.

Why January 6?

Even in the time of the Holy Apostles, Christian traditions varied across different regions. In fact, Christmas was likely not observed at all during the earliest centuries of the Church. Over time, the mysteries of Christ’s birth and baptism came to be celebrated together on January 6.

By the end of the 3rd century, the Church in Rome began celebrating Christmas on December 25, coinciding with a major pagan festival. Many Eastern churches, however, continued to observe the feast on January 6. The Armenian Church has faithfully preserved this ancient tradition, while the Greek-speaking Christian world adopted the Latin practice in the late 4th century.

Armenian-American families may still exchange Christmas gifts on December 25 in keeping with American custom. In some Armenian churches in the United States, it has also become traditional to observe the feast of St. Stephen the Proto-Martyr on Christmas Eve (December 24), though this feast is movable and does not always fall on that date.

Preparing for the Feast

If possible, the faithful are encouraged to fast during the seven days preceding January 6 and explain its spiritual purpose to their children. On the evening of January 5, families should attend church to take part in the Christmas Eve Divine Liturgy, and return on the morning of January 6 to celebrate the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord.

ARMENIAN CHRISTMAS

CANDLELIGHT BADARAK 

Join us for a serene and enchanting Candlelight Badarak of Eve of the Naitivity and Theophany of our Lord Jesus Christ on Monday, January 5, 2026.

•  Prophetic Scriptures and Vespers at 6:00 PM

• Jurakalooyts Soorp Badarak / Candlelight Divine Liturgy at 7:00 PM

Let the soft glow of candles create a magical atmosphere as we come together to celebrate this sacred occasion. The Candlelight Armenian Christmas Badarak promises to be a beautiful and reflective experience, filling our hearts with the spirit of the season.

Don't forget to bring your own candle-holder to take a piece of Christmas light with you to your home. This tradition symbolizes the spreading of joy, hope, and the light of Christmas throughout our community.

This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with the essence of the season, surrounded by the warmth of fellow community members. Let the flickering candlelight be a beacon of peace and unity as we celebrate Armenian Christmas together.

Spread the word, invite your friends and family, and join us for this special Candlelight Badarak. Together, let's illuminate the night and usher in the joyous spirit of Armenian Christmas.

Blessing of Pomegranate

On Sunday, December 28, 2025, at the conclusion of the Holy Badarak, the traditional service of the Blessing of Pomegranate will be performed at our church.

In 2015, on the eve of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, proclaimed the New Year as the “Day of the Blessing of the Pomegranate.” Accordingly, the pomegranate has also become a symbol of remembrance of the Armenian Genocide.

Eternal Symbolism in Ancient Armenia

The pomegranate, known as Nur in Armenian, is more than just a fruit. It is a symbol deeply rooted in Armenian culture, representing fertility, abundance, and good fortune. Just as the pomegranate holds a special place in our mythology, it reflects the richness of our heritage alongside other national symbols such as celery, wine, apricots, khachkars, the duduk, and the Biblical Mount Ararat.

In ancient Armenia, the pomegranate symbolized eternity. According to legend, during a royal celebration, a pregnant woman swallowed a pomegranate seed. In a fit of anger, the king wounded her; yet miraculously, her newborn son survived, and the pomegranate seed was found resting upon his lips.

We warmly invite everyone to join us for this blessing ceremony, a celebration symbolizing the New Year, new emotions, and new life.

Join Us for Christmas Eve

at St. Mary Armenian Church

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

As the season of peace, hope, and wonder approaches, St. Mary Armenian Church joyfully invites you and your loved ones to gather with us for our Christmas Eve Service on Wednesday, December 24 at 5:00 PM.

Christmas Eve is a cherished moment in our faith—a night filled with anticipation and reverence as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This sacred evening brings our community together in unity and love, reminding us of God’s everlasting promise and the light He brings into our lives.

Our Christmas Eve service will include scripture readings, traditional carols, and prayers of thanksgiving, all prepared to help us reflect on the true meaning of this holy night. Whether you are a lifelong member, returning visitor, or joining us for the first time, we welcome you with open hearts.

Bring your family and friends to share in the warmth of fellowship, the beauty of worship, and the joy of celebrating Christ’s birth. The doors of St. Mary Armenian Church are open to all who wish to take part in this blessed and uplifting experience.

Let us come together as a community—united in faith, gratitude, and hope—as we honor the miracle of Christmas.

We look forward to celebrating with you!

Wednesday, December 24 • 5:00 PM

St. Mary Armenian Church

St. Mary Children’s Christmas Hantes Slated

to Bring Joy and Holiday Spirit

Dear Faithful Parishioners and Friends of St. Mary Armenian Church,

This Sunday, December 14th, after Badarak, in Toufayan Hall, St. Mary Children’s Christmas Hantes will fill our parish with music, laughter, and festive cheer as the children take center stage in a heartwarming celebration of the season. The event will feature choreographed traditional dances, along with a joyful sing-along of beloved Armenian Christmas songs. All attendees are warmly invited to join in the sing-along, and lyrics will be provided at the event so everyone can participate.

Adding to the excitement, a very special guest will make a surprise visit, bringing gifts, smiles, and holiday cheer to the children. This cherished gathering is a wonderful opportunity for families and parishioners to come together, celebrate faith and culture, and share in the true spirit of Christmas.

Sevanne Halajian Solazzo

St. Mary Sunday School's Superintendent

Mark your calendars!

Get ready for a day filled with mouthwatering Armenian flavors, music, fun games, and a warm community spirit at the 2025 Armenian Food Festival!

Date: Sunday, September 21, 2025

Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Location: St. Mary Armenian Church, 200 W Mt Pleasant Ave, Livingston, NJ 07039

• Indulge in delicious Armenian food

• Join our exciting 50/50 raffle

• Enjoy music, games, and more!

St. Mary Armenian Church

50/50 CASH RAFFLE - 2025

Join Us for a Special Evening of Worship and Celebration

On Friday, September 12 at 6:00 PM, our parish will be honored to host the Installation Service of our new Pastor, the Rev. Fr. Voskan Hovhannisyan, celebrated under the leadership of His Grace Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America.

This deeply meaningful and spiritually enriching event marks a new chapter in the life of our church, and we warmly invite all parishioners, families, and friends to join us in prayer and community.

Immediately following the service, we will gather in Toufayan Hall for a cocktail reception and fellowship as we officially welcome Der Voskan into our parish family.

We hope you will participate in this memorable occasion — your presence will be a blessing to us all.

Kindly RSVP to Kristine@toufayan.com.