Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross celebrated at the Armenian Diocese in Georgia

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (Khachverats), the last of the five major feasts of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church, which is movable, in 2023 was celebrated on September 17.

The Feast was celebrated with Divine Liturgy offered in churches of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia. Khachverats is the most important feast dedicated to the cross, the mystery of which is the return of the Cross from captivity and its glorification.

On the day of cross glorification, the cross decorated with basil was gloriously raised to the Holy Altar in the churches of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia.

Under the presidency of the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, Rev. Father Archimandrite Kirakos Davtyan, Rev. Father Husik Harutyunyan celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Cathedral of Saint George and Rev. Father Samvel Torosyan was the celebrant of the festive Divine Liturgy in Saint Etchmiadzin church in Avlabari.

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, the Diocesan Primate properly preached about the mystery of the day, explained the meaning of the return of the Holy Cross of God from captivity and its elevation in Golgotha, which is why the feast is called Khachverats or Sbkhech. He spoke about the significance and power of the cross, encouraged the faithful to remain steadfast in their faith, bear the weight of the invisible cross with hope and patience, accept it as a trial given by God, be strengthened by faith and soul power, to value, maintain and pass on church and national holidays to generations, keep the connection with God's house inseparable.

On the same day, at the end of the Evening Service, the procession of the cross dedicated to the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross took place, and basil, the symbol of the day, was blessed and distributed to the faithful.

The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross was solemnly celebrated with Divine Liturgy in the Armenian churches of Akhalkalaki, Ninotsminda, Akhaltsikhe Marneuli, Tetritsgaro, Tsalka, Samtskhe Javakheti and Kvemo Kartli regions and villages.

Monday is the Day of Remembrance. Requiem Service will be offered in churches for the peace of souls of the deceased. The start is at 12:00.