Candlelight Divine Liturgy in churches of Armenian Diocese in Georgia

On January 5, 2024, on the eve of the Feast of the Holy Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the churches of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia.

Cathedral of Saint George in Tbilisi, Saint Etchmiadzin church in Avlabari, Saint Savior (Surb Prkich) church in Batumi, Saint Gregory the Illuminator (Grigor Lusavorich) church in Akhaltsikhe, Holy Cross (Surb Khach) church in Akhalkalaki, Saint Sarkis church in Ninotsminda, as well as the Armenian churches operating in different regions and villages were crowded with numerous people; the faithful came to hear first the good tidings of Our Lord Jesus Christ’s Holy Nativity. Everywhere in the churches, after the evening service, different Bible passages, related to the Feast, were read and Divine Liturgy was celebrated by the priests.

Candlelight Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of Saint George was celebrated under the presidency of His Grace Bishop Kirakos Davtyan, Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia. Georgian MP Kakha Labuchidze, Tbilisi Sakrebulo (City Council) Chairman Giorgi Tgemaladze, "Vrastan" (“Georgia”) newsletter editor Van Bayburtyan, intellectuals, heads of non-governmental organizations, members of the public attended the festive Divine Liturgy.

During the Divine Liturgy, His Grace Bishop Kirakos Davtyan, Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, touched upon the mystery of the wonderment of the Holy Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, highlighted that Christ’s coming to the world was the greatest gift given to humanity, the Son of God became human and was born with meekness in a manger, as an example of humility. Our Savior Jesus Christ descended from heaven to earth, came to light the darkness, and sow seeds of love, light and salvation in the hearts of mankind.

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, His Grace Bishop Kirakos Davtyan lit a candle, symbolizing the Divine Light and blessing of the church. The light symbolizing Jesus Christ was distributed to the faithful present at the Candlelight Divine Liturgy. They took the tidings of Christmas and the divine light home with them with the lights lit in the church.

After the Divine Liturgy, the clergy moved to the residence of the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, where Home-Blessing Service was offered.

Christmas or the Feast of Holy Nativity begins on the evening of January 5th and continues after midnight.