Image

Birth of the Savior

Icon at the Altar of the Holy Mother of God, Sts. Vartanantz Church, Chelmsford, Massachusetts.
Reproduction of 12th century Armenian manuscript illumination 
by Vartan Ohanian of Yerevan Armenia (1983).
Donated by the Kirkorian Family for the Greater Glory of God
in memory of
Garabed & Dirouhi Kirkorian





Advent for Orthodox faithful

A period of preparing for the "arrival or coming of Christ," and comes to us from the Latin "adventus", meaning "arrival".

"Hisnag" is the term used by the Armenian Church for Advent. It means "50", referring to the fifty days of preparation that leads us to Theophany/Christmas (Nov. 18 - Jan. 6)

Formerly, as in the period of Great Lent which precedes Holy Easter, Advent constituted a time of fasting and spiritual enrichment. At present, there are the usual Wednesday and Friday fast days, as well as three week-long fasts:

  • the first week
  • the week before the Feast of St. James
  • the final week leading to Christmas - January 6th

The Gospel readings assigned during the Sundays of Advent help prepare the faithful to approach in humility and love the great Manifestation of God -

  • First Sunday - Luke 12:13-31 [Nov. 23]
    Teaches about losing one's faith in exchange for riches.

  • Second Sunday - Luke 13:1-9 [Nov. 30]
    Teaches that through tolerance and caring, one might be saved.

  • Third Sunday - Luke 14:12-24 [Dec. 7]
    Teaches that hope of salvation is open to all who respond Christ's invitation.

  • Fourth Sunday - Luke 17:1-10 [Dec. 14]
    Teaches about the need to forgive others, and to do what is expected.

  • Fifth Sunday - Luke 18:9-14 [Dec. 21]
    Teaches that the humble will be exalted.

  • Sixth Sunday - Luke 19:12-28 [Dec. 28]
    Teaches that those who fearlessly demonstrate their faith will be given more.

  • Seventh Sunday - Sixth Day of the Fast of the Nativity - Luke 22:24-30 [Jan. 4]
    Teaches that the greatest are those who serve others.