“Christ is risen”: Bishop Hovakim Manukyan Celebrates Easter Monday in St Garabed, Cardiff
Picture © John Torosyan
“Christ is risen — and with Him, the life of the Church is renewed in every place where the faithful gather in hope.”
Cardiff, 6 April 2026 — On Easter Monday, Bishop Hovakim Manukyan, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church in the United Kingdom and Ireland, celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the new Armenian Church of St Garabed in Cardiff.
The celebration brought together clergy and faithful in a spirit of resurrectional joy, continuing the proclamation of the Risen Lord: “Christ is risen from the dead.” The Divine Liturgy was served with solemnity and devotion, with deacons from London assisting at the altar. The liturgical life of the Church was further enriched by the participation of a choir composed of both visiting deacons and members of the local community, whose voices united in sacred hymnody.
In his homily, Bishop Hovakim reflected on the centrality of the Resurrection as the cornerstone of the Christian faith. He reminded the faithful that without the Resurrection, faith loses its foundation, but through it, humanity receives hope, renewal, and eternal life. Drawing from the Gospel narrative, he spoke of the oil-bearing women, who approached the tomb with courage, love, and steadfast faith, becoming the first witnesses of the Resurrection. He encouraged the faithful to emulate their devotion — to remain steadfast, prepared, and fearless in their Christian witness.
The Bishop also recalled the first appearance of the Risen Christ to His disciples, who were gathered in fear behind closed doors, and reflected on the encounter with Thomas. He emphasised the importance of a living and clear faith, noting how Thomas, upon touching the wounds of Christ, moved from doubt to confession, proclaiming: “My Lord and my God.” This, he noted, remains a call for all believers to deepen their faith — not in uncertainty, but in the living reality of the Risen Lord.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, a Hokangist (Requiem Service) was offered for the departed members of the community. In accordance with the rich tradition of the Armenian Church, prayers were lifted for the repose of their souls, affirming the Christian hope that, through the Resurrection of Christ, death is not the end but the passage into eternal life.
The celebration in Cardiff formed part of the wider Paschal witness of the Armenian Church throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland, as communities gather in unity to proclaim the victory of life over death and light over darkness.
Christ is risen from the dead. Blessed is the Resurrection of Christ.
Pictures by John Torosyan.
