Today it is bright. At 5:00 p.m. in Armenian churches, there will be an Evening Service and a Candlelight Liturgy.
The day before Christmas and the holy Easter are called Candlelight, which means to light a lamp. It symbolizes the divine light, the blessing of the church, as well as the light of the Bethlehem star that led the Magi to the Baby Jesus.
On those days, according to a particular protocol, the torches and candles of the temple are lit, and lighted candles are distributed to the people, after which Holy Liturgy is served. With the Holy Liturgy, the fast that started on December 30 ends, and Christmas Day begins, people carry candles home to announce the birth of Christ, Who freed people from the darkness of death.
They greet each other, saying, "Christ was born and appeared; great news for you and us."
The Christmas celebration begins on the evening of January 5th and continues past midnight.
And tomorrow, on January 6, the Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates the feast of the Nativity and Epiphany of Jesus Christ. A Christmas Liturgy will be served. In the end, there will be a blessing ceremony.
