"This evening is not Christmas Eve in the Armenian Church, but it is a blessed occasion nontheless for us to gather together and celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ," said Fr. Mesrop Ash as he welcomed the more than 200 faithful who gathered for the annual Candlelight Christmas Pagaent on December 24, 2014.

Throughout the day the church was preparing. Despite the rain and cold weather that morning, Yeretsgeen Annie and Fr. Mesrop were on ladders decorating the courtyard and sanctuary with Christmas lights. As the sunset volunteers and families began arriving. It was wonderful to see the Sunday School Students along with their parents and teachers getting ready for the pageant, while the faithful were greeting each other with Christmas wishes and New Year’s dreams.

Following Fr. Mesrop’s welcoming remarks the service began with the Lord’s Prayer.  There were scripture readings by our dedicated altar servers and hymns and Christmas carols sung by the choir and congregation, while the Sunday School Students presented the Nativity Scene.

During the service, Fr. Mesrop asked the congregation to thank God for granting us the gift of new life, giving thanks for all of the new borns of the parish in 2014, which was followed by a special Der Voghormia pray remembering all the loved ones who departed this year. He then offered his prayers that the light of Christ remain within them until they gather again on January 5 to celebrate Jrakaluyts Divine Liturgy.

Following the service everyone was invited to the Paul Family Hall for fellowship hour, where the celebrated in a joyful and familial environment. On behalf of the Parish Priest and the Parish Council, we thank everyone for donating the food for the reception and to all the volunteers, dedicated altar servers and choir members who made this event possible.