Bishop Hovakim Manukyan Leads Transfiguration Sunday Service at St Yeghiche Armenian Church
Bishop Hovakim Manukyan, Primate of the Armenian Church Diocese of the United Kingdom and Ireland, celebrated the Divine Liturgy at St Yeghiche Armenian Church in Kensington, London, on Sunday, 12 July 2026, to mark the Feast of the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ, one of the principal feasts of the Armenian Apostolic Church.
The Feast of the Transfiguration commemorates the Gospel account of Jesus Christ’s transfiguration on Mount Tabor before His disciples Peter, James, and John, where His divine glory was revealed. In the Armenian tradition, the feast is known as Vardavar, a celebration that combines the Church’s ancient liturgical tradition with the popular custom of sharing water as a symbol of renewal, joy, and blessing.
In his sermon, Bishop Manukyan reflected on the Gospel reading from Matthew 16:13–17:13, focusing on Christ’s call to discipleship:
“If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.”
He said the Transfiguration reveals not only Christ’s divine glory but also the path that leads to that glory—the way of the Cross.
Speaking about Jesus’ question to His disciples, “But who do you say that I am?”, the Bishop encouraged worshippers to consider their own response, describing it as a question that continues to challenge Christians today.
He also reflected on the Father’s words heard on Mount Tabor: “This is My beloved Son… listen to Him,” saying that in a world filled with competing voices, Christians are called to place Christ and the Gospel at the centre of their lives.
The Bishop said the appearance of Moses and Elijah alongside Christ demonstrated that Jesus is the fulfilment of the Law and the Prophets and reminded the congregation that God is “not the God of the dead, but of the living”, pointing to the Christian hope of eternal life through Christ.
Concluding his sermon, Bishop Manukyan invited the faithful to see Mount Tabor as a symbol of prayer, repentance, and renewed encounter with God. He encouraged the congregation to make time for prayer, participate faithfully in the Divine Liturgy, and follow Christ in their daily lives with faith and hope.
The Divine Liturgy concluded with prayers for peace throughout the world, for Armenia and Artsakh, for the United Kingdom and Ireland, and for all those facing war, persecution, and suffering.
Following the service, members of the congregation gathered to celebrate Vardavar, sharing fellowship and continuing one of the best-loved traditions of the Armenian Church.