Today is the Eve of the Nativity and Theophany (Armenian Christmas Eve).
Lucernarium (Tchrakaluyts in Armenian) is the ceremony conducted on the eves of Theophany and Easter. The name originates from Armenian “tchrak lucanel” meaning “to light lanterns” because numerous lanterns are lit during Divine Liturgy on the eves of these feast days and many faithful hold candles in their hands. Following Holy Mass, the faithful take the lit candles home as blessing. The light of the candles and lamps represents the shining among us of spiritual light which Christ gave through His Divine dispensations.
The term Navakatiq is used by Armenian Church in relation to the eves of main feast days. Traditionally on these eves the Church conducts the rite of Blessing of Foundation on new or renovated church buildings, or on the occasion of their anniversaries. This practice has important theological meaning — the eves of feasts which have significant meaning in Christ’s divine economy also represent the blessing and renewal of God’s living temple — the human nature. Fasts, which precede the main feasts, are relaxed on the theirs eves and consumption of dairy and fish products is permitted.
Navakatiqs-eves of three of five main feasts — Transfiguration of Christ, Assumption of the Holy Theotokos and Exaltation of the Cross are also considered feasts — eve of Transfiguration is dedicated to The Ark of the Covenant, eve of Assumption of Theotokos is dedicated to the consecration of the Cathedral of Holy Etchmiatsin, and finally the eve of the Exaltation of the Cross is dedicated to the renovation of the Church of Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. The eves of Epiphany and Easter are marked by ceremonial evening service, which includes service of the hours followed by Divine Liturgy, which concludes with the rite of lighting of lanterns. On both these eves Armenian families gather in the evenings for the traditional dinner of Navakatik.
[Information made available via www.armenianchurch.us]
Bible Readings:
Luke 1: 26-38
Luke 2: 8-20
Matthew 1: 18-25
Genesis 1: 1-3, 24
Isaiah 7: 10-17
Exodus 14: 24 - 15:21
Micah 5: 2-7
Proverbs: 1: 2-9
Isaiah 9: 5-7
Isaiah 11: 1-9
Isaiah 35: 3-8
Isaiah 40: 10-17
Isaiah 42: 1-8
Daniel 3: 1-23
Titus 2: 11-15
Matthew 2:1-12
Luke 2: 8-14
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Thank you all, once again, and we pray you have a blessed week!
Celebrant Priest: Very Rev. Fr. Pakrad Berjekian,
Pastor of St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church of San Diego
