Presentation of the Lord Celebrated at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin
14.02.2026
On February 14 — the Feast of the Presentation of the Forty-Day-Old Infant Jesus in the Temple — by the blessing of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, the Holy and Immortal Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin.
The service was presided over by the spiritual overseer of the “Hayordeats” Youth Centers of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Reverend Father Archimandrite Harutyun Kirakosyan.
In his sermon, the Reverend Father reflected on the spiritual meaning of the feast, noting in particular:
"The essence of Tearnndarach lies in waiting for God, in drawing near to Him, and in experiencing His presence. It is an invitation to each of us — to move toward the Lord, to strengthen our faith, and to live in the fullness of boundless hope and love."
Referring to the Gospel account of the feast, Archimandrite Harutyun said:
"The long years of waiting by the elder Simeon and the indescribable joy with which he embraced Jesus are beyond words. It is the same bliss and exultation that each of us experiences when we are granted the privilege of touching the Lord, giving true meaning to our earthly life through God alone."
Addressing the faithful, Father Harutyun encouraged all to go toward the Lord without hesitation or doubt, so that God may have mercy on us and grant us that immeasurable joy and blessedness which the elder Simeon experienced when he held the Infant in his arms.
Next, Archimandrite Harutyun, addressing the newlyweds present at the sacred ceremony, urged them to build their married life in the pursuit of God’s love, for it is the Almighty’s love and presence that will consecrate their family home.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, under the presidency of Archbishop Haykazun Nadjarian, member of the monastic clergy of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the rite of blessing for newlywed couples was performed.
On the same day, the Catholicos of All Armenians received newlywed deacons serving in various structures of the Mother See, accompanied by Bishop Musheg Babayan, Director of the Administrative and Economic Department of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
On the occasion of the feast, the Armenian Archpastor, having imparted his paternal blessing and congratulations to the newlyweds, encouraged them to live in love, support one another, and not falter in the face of difficulties. His Holiness also wished that the light and warmth of the Lord would always be with them, and that they might live in health and happiness.
Finally, His Holiness blessed the newlyweds with the Guardian prayer “Pahpanich” and presented them with commemorative gifts.
