Christmas and Epiphany Day in Armenia
Christmas and Epiphany Day is a holiday in Armenia.
When is Christmas and Epiphany Day in Armenia
Christmas and Epiphany Day is celebrated on 06, January, 2023 in Armenia.
About Christmas and Epiphany Day in Armenia
In Armenia, Christmas is celebrated on January 6th, which is also known as Epiphany Day. This is because the Armenian Apostolic Church follows the Julian calendar, which is 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar used in many other countries.
The celebration of Christmas in Armenia is known as the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ. It is a religious holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, as well as his baptism in the Jordan River by John the Baptist.
On Christmas Eve, families gather together to prepare a special meal and attend church services. The meal typically includes dishes such as fish, rice pilaf, and a sweet bread called “Anoush Abour.” After the meal, families exchange gifts and sing carols.
On Christmas Day, there is a special church service called the “Badarak,” which is followed by a procession to a nearby body of water, such as a river or lake. A cross is then thrown into the water, symbolizing the baptism of Jesus, and young men dive into the water to retrieve it.
Epiphany Day, which falls on January 6th, is also a public holiday in Armenia. It commemorates the visit of the Magi, or Wise Men, to the baby Jesus, as well as his baptism. Church services are held on this day, and a special blessing is given to the water, which is then used for baptism throughout the year.
History of Christmas and Epiphany Day in Armenia
Christmas and Epiphany Day are two important holidays celebrated by Christians in Armenia.
Christmas, also known as Surb Tsnund, is celebrated on January 6th. The holiday commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and is one of the oldest Christian holidays. In Armenia, the celebration of Christmas dates back to the 4th century when Christianity was adopted as the state religion. The Armenian Apostolic Church observes Christmas with a solemn liturgy and special prayers.
Epiphany Day, also known as the Feast of Theophany, is celebrated on January 19th. The holiday commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. It is also believed to be the day when the Holy Trinity was revealed to the world. In Armenia, Epiphany Day is celebrated with a special liturgy and the blessing of water.
Both Christmas and Epiphany Day are important holidays in Armenia and are celebrated with great joy and reverence. Families gather together to share traditional meals and exchange gifts. The streets are decorated with lights and festive decorations, and people sing carols and hymns. These holidays are an important part of Armenian culture and tradition, and they reflect the strong Christian faith of the Armenian people.
How is Christmas and Epiphany Day celebrated in Armenia
In Armenia, Christmas is celebrated on January 6th, which is also known as Epiphany Day. The celebration begins on the evening of January 5th with a special church service called the “Divine Liturgy.” During this service, the story of the birth of Jesus Christ is retold, and hymns are sung.
After the service, families return home to enjoy a festive meal together. Traditional dishes include roasted lamb, pilaf, and a sweet bread called “choreg.” Children receive gifts from Santa Claus, who is known as “Dzmer Papik” in Armenian.
On Epiphany Day, January 6th, a special ceremony is held in the Armenian Apostolic Church. The ceremony involves the blessing of water, which is believed to have healing powers. The water is then sprinkled on the congregation, and people take some home with them.
Overall, Christmas and Epiphany Day are important religious holidays in Armenia, and they are celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm by the Armenian people.
Dates
Christmas and Epiphany Day will be celebrated in Armenia on 2023-01-06, 2024-01-06, 2025-01-06, 2026-01-06, 2027-01-06 in the comming years.
