Christmas Eve Candlelight Divine Liturgy celebrated in all Armenian churches
The Armenian Apostolic Church starts celebrating the Feast of Holy Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ (Christmas).
The Christmas celebration starts in the evening of January 5 as the church day changes at 5pm, after the evening service.
On the eve a solemn Candlelight Divine Liturgy is celebrated in all Armenian churches. It is served in churches twice a year – on the eve of Christmas and Easter.
Following the conclusion of the liturgy, the assembled faithful take lit candles and lamps home symbolizing the divine light and the blessing of the church. Lighting candles also symbolize the light of the Bethlehem Star which led the magi to the baby Christ.