Last week, on December 2nd, the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church celebrated the Feast of the Holy Illuminators, Saints Thaddeus and Bartholomew, who were the first evangelizers of Armenia. The commemoration took place at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, an important religious site.

One significant development in recent years is that the Pontifical Residence of the Catholicos of All Armenians, His Holiness Karekin II, has been established in the Holy Altar of Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral since 2015. On the same day as the feast, the consecration of the altar occurred at the Holy Cathedral of Etchmiadzin, symbolizing the manifestation of the Holy Spirit.

The ceremony was led by His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. In attendance were various high-ranking clergy, diocesan primates, and a large number of faithful individuals.

During the event, Catholicos Karekin II expressed his gratitude to the attendees and emphasized the importance of preserving the unity and positive values of the Armenian nation, as well as the sanctity of Holy Etchmiadzin. He also highlighted the historical connection between the Armenian people and the apostolic faith, stressing that deviating from this faith had resulted in challenges, but returning to it had allowed the nation to overcome difficulties.

Concluding the ceremony, Catholicos Karekin II bestowed his blessings upon the faithful and the Pilgrim’s Cross of the Holy Illuminators, Saints Thaddeus and Bartholomew. This gesture served as a reminder of the love and faith in the Armenian nation, and it symbolized the commitment to continue the mission of the Armenian Church and the construction of the Holy Altar of the Fatherland.

The event concluded with the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer and the blessing of the faithful by His Holiness Karekin II and the Holy Altar of Etchmiadzin. Holy Etchmiadzin will remain open until the completion of the midnight liturgy, allowing for continued reverence and worship.