Due to the frigid temperatures and icy road conditions, Armenian Christmas services at Holy Martyrs took place on Sunday, January 7 instead of January 5 and 6. Sunday morning began with Scripture readings (read traditionally on Christmas Eve before the Jrakalooyts Badarak) by the HMADS students, anticipating the birth of Our Lord. All the children read beautifully as their parents listened in the pews with pride. Congratulations to all our students! Dn. Karnig Kiliciyan, Dn. Krikor Ghazarian and Dn. Alexander Calikyan followed with readings from the Book of Daniel. 

At the conclusion of Christmas Day Badarak, the Churorhnek (Blessing of the Water) service took place. This year’s Godfather of the Cross was Armen Malkhasyan, Fr. Abraham and Yn. Karine’s five-year old son. Armen is a kindergarten student at HMADS and also attends HMALS and Sunday School. As Fr. Abraham blessed the water, Armen waited patiently for the cross. Upon receiving the blessed cross in his hands, the most amazing smile spread across his face. His pride and excitement was priceless! Congratulations to Armen on his service and the entire Malkhasyan Family! 

After proclaiming Krisdos Dznav yev Haydnetzav, Fr. Abraham and Armen followed the Choir members and deacons in a procession out of the sanctuary to the beautifully decorated auditorium where the traditional Home Blessing service took place. Parishioners were able to kiss the cross and take home the blessed water following the service. Many thanks are extended to our dedicated choir leaders and members who flawlessly combined the Armenian Christmas Eve and Day services into one, on short notice, and shared their beautiful voices with us on this special day. A festive communion breakfast hosted by the Women’s Guild concluded a wonderful day for the Holy Martyrs community.