Armenian Apostolic Holy Church
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On February 25, the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church solemnly commemorated the Feast of St. Ghevontian Martyrs, also known as the Levontian Priests. On this occasion, a Divine Liturgy was held at the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin, presided over by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.

The sacred service was attended by approximately 250 clergymen from dioceses and church institutions across Armenia, diocesan primates, members of the clergy from Holy Etchmiadzin, and numerous faithful.

The celebrant was Rev. Fr. Nshan Panfyorov, pastor of the Surb Nshan Church in Gyumri, Shirak Diocese.

In his sermon, Father Nshan reflected on the day's significance, emphasizing that the Ghevontian priests played a crucial role in inspiring the Vardanants War, which was fought 'for the faith and the homeland.'

"The Ghevontians and the Vardanants taught us and the world that when a people’s homeland and faith are in peril, the entire nation must take up arms and stand as soldiers, with God as their leader. Guided by faith and love for their homeland, they feared no enemy and found strength in the words of the Holy Scripture:

‘Do not be afraid of them! Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons andyour daughters, your wives and your houses.’ (Nehemiah 4:14)”.

Father Nshan continued, emphasizing that the Ghevontians, through their lives, still call upon us to stand as steadfast defenders of our Christian faith and endangered homeland.

After the Divine Liturgy, the clergy assembled in the ceremonial hall of the Gevorgian Theological Seminary. Archbishop Mikayel Ajapahyan, Primate of the Shirak Diocese and head of the organizing committee for the clergy gatherings offered words of welcome. The event concluded with the traditional conferral of honors.

In recognition of their long-standing service to the Armenian Church and their devoted and fruitful pastoral ministry, several clergymen were honored with the rank of Senior Priest, the right to wear the floral phelonion, and the priestly pectoral cross.

The rank of Senior Priest was conferred upon:

• Rev. Fr. Vazgen Boyajyan (Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America),
• Rev. Fr. Vazgen Guzuyan, Rev. Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian, Rev. Fr. Krigor Sabounjian, and Rev. Fr. Arakel Aljalian (Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America).

The right to wear the floral phelonion was granted to:

• Rev. Fr. Aharon Melkumyan, Rev. Fr. Shirak Khanoyan, Rev. Fr. Avetik Martirosyan, and Rev. Fr. Entza Mirzoyan (Syunik Diocese),
• Rev. Fr. Harutyun Petrosyan and Rev. Fr. Tigran Mkhitaryan (Shirak Diocese),
• Rev. Fr. Yervand Babayan and Rev. Fr. Mikayel Nuryjanyan (Mashtots Diocese),
• Rev. Fr. Levon Hovhannisyan (Artik Diocese),
• Rev. Fr. Stepanos Ignatevosyan (Gegharkunik Diocese),
• Rev. Fr. Nerses Ghalayan (Gugark Diocese),
• Rev. Fr. Vazgen Hovhannisyan (Aragatsotn Diocese),
• Rev. Fr. Mushegh Khachatryan (Krasnodar and North Caucasus Diocese),
• Rev. Fr. Arshen Movsesyan, Rev. Fr. Babken Stepanyan, Rev. Fr. Sahak Gharibyan, and Rev. Fr. Shahe Nazaryan (French Diocese),
• Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, Rev. Fr. Gabriel Muradyan, Rev. Fr. Khachatur Kesablyan, and Rev. Fr. Abraham Ohanyan (Eastern Diocese of North America).

The right to wear the priestly pectoral cross was awarded to:

• Rev. Fr. Komitas Gevondyan, Chancellor of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin,
• Rev. Fr. Vazgen Andreasyan, Priest of St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Yerevan,
• Rev. Fr. Vardan Hayrapetyan (Araratian Diocese),
• Rev. Fr. Davit Gishyan (Syunik Diocese),
• Rev. Fr. Vardan Nersisyan (Kotayk Diocese),
• Rev. Fr. Narek Sargsyan (Aragatsotn Diocese),
• Rev. Fr. Gevond Hayrapetyan (Spiritual Leadership of the Armed Forces of Armenia).

After the awards ceremony, His Holiness Karekin II conveyed his Patriarchal blessing and message to the clergy on the occasion of the Feast of St. Ghevontian Priests. He emphasized the significance of the clergy gathering in strengthening the spirit of church servants, enhancing their spiritual ministry, and setting new priorities in their service.

'The Feast of St. Ghevontian Priests is a unique testament to the exemplary character of the Armenian clergyman and a time for reassessing his mission and self-sacrificial service in national-ecclesiastical life,' noted His Holiness. He further highlighted that the feasts of the Ghevontians and Vardanants provide an opportunity to reflect on national identity and values as essential guarantees of the Armenian people's survival and continuity.

His Holiness emphasized that the mission of the Church unites spiritual salvation with national preservation:

“Beloved spiritual fathers, you know how deeply intertwined the aspects of spiritual salvation and national preservation are in our mission. Christianity is the essence of the Armenian nation—this is how the historian St. Yeghishe proclaimed the inseparable unity of our faith and national identity. This profound truth has become the central tenet of our national creed.

Therefore, to keep the Armenian people strong in their spiritual character and national identity, and to ensure the unity and bright future of our nation, we must strengthen and defend our sacred faith in God. Faith is not merely the recognition of God's existence but an acknowledgment of His perpetual presence in our lives, making us accountable before Him. Faith is a commitment to uphold God's commandments, an unwavering adherence to moral principles, and a lifelong journey in following Christ’s teachings. It is the unshakable foundation of a strong family and a just society, where justice, harmony, love, and cooperation prevail.”

His Holiness also addressed the challenges facing the homeland and the Armenian Diaspora—not only the loss of Artsakh, the thousands of casualties, and the plight of missing and captive Armenians but also the targeted attacks and distortions threatening the foundations of Armenian identity.

"It is imperative to instill within our people a deep and proper understanding of the value system consecrated over centuries—the homeland, the Armenian Church, our sacred heritage, and our historical past. Only by following this path can we strengthen our statehood, contribute to the well-being and security of our national life, and fortify the spirit of unity in our society, defending national interests and fundamental rights at home and abroad. To achieve these goals, we need greater dedication and courage, as well as a profound sense of awareness and commitment to serving our nation and homeland," said His Holiness Karekin II.

The Catholicos urged the clergy to serve and act in the spirit of the St. Ghevontian Priests—to embody the Gospel in both word and deed, ensuring that the legacy of past generations is not only preserved but also enriched with new achievements for the benefit of the nation and the glory of the Holy Church.

His Holiness once again imparted his Patriarchal blessing and gratitude to all the clergy, offering prayers for peace, love, and harmony throughout the world and in the national life of Armenians.

The gathering concluded with the Catholicos' prayer of protection.