On Saturday, January 5, 2019, the eve of the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of our Lord Jesus Christ was celebrated with Divine Liturgy and candlelight service. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, celebrated Christmas Eve Divine Liturgy and delivered his message at Holy Cross Cathedral in Montebello. Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian and Rev. Fr. Ashod Kambourian participated in the service. Divine Liturgy was preceded by the reading of Scriptures by Holy Cross Cathedral Sunday School and Mesrobian School students.
The Prelate began his sermon by recounting the circumstances of Christ’s Birth, the heavenly host who heralded the “good tidings of great joy” and praised the Lord giving glory to Him and wishing for peace on earth and goodwill among men, as well as the shepherds and magi who were the first to worship the Christ Child, stating, “As faithful children of God, it is incumbent upon us to give glory to the Lord, strive for peace within and around us, and radiate love and goodwill.” On that silent and holy night centuries ago, mankind received a supreme gift as our Lord Jesus Christ was born as the greatest expression of God’s boundless love and faithfulness toward man; on that night the prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled, and there was born for mankind a new life, a new hope, and a new path, said the Prelate. His Eminence next spoke on the baptism of Christ, which would be observed the following day through the blessing of water ceremony, that Jesus, in His faithfulness to God the Father, went to the Jordan River to be baptized by John to fulfill God’s will and the purpose of His Birth. The Prelate concluded by calling on all to demonstrate the same faithfulness to our Lord, wishing for the inspiring message and spirit of the Nativity and Theophany of our Lord to embolden us in our faith and service, and for a brighter and more fruitful year for our church and nation.
The Christmas Eve candlelight service symbolizing Christ as the light of the world took place at the conclusion of Divine Liturgy. As the choir sang “Great and wonderful mystery” the Prelate lit a candle from the altar, from which faithful lit their candles. The Cathedral illuminated by the warm glow of candlelight, the service of prayers and Gospel readings was conducted, after which faithful took their candles to illuminate their homes with light of Christ.
