Feast of St Gregory the Illuminator’s Entry into Khor Virap Celebrated at the Diocesan Centre
On 21 March, the Feast of the Entry of Gregory the Illuminator into Khor Virap was prayerfully celebrated at the Diocesan Centre, bringing together clergy and faithful in remembrance of one of the most defining moments in Armenian Christian history.
The celebration began with the Divine Liturgy in the chapel, celebrated by the Reverend Fr Nshan Alaverdyan. The service was marked by a spirit of reverence and thanksgiving, recalling the steadfast faith of St Gregory, whose long imprisonment became a witness to endurance, hope, and divine calling.
During the service, Fr Shnork Bagdasarian delivered a homily reflecting on the meaning of martyrdom and Christian discipleship. Drawing on the words of Christ, “take up your cross and follow me,” he invited the faithful to consider how the example of St Gregory continues to speak to the life of the Church today — a call to perseverance in faith, courage in suffering, and trust in God’s providence.
The Primate, Hovakim Manukyan, concluded the celebration with his blessing, encouraging the faithful to remain steadfast in their Christian witness. He reminded those gathered that the story of Khor Virap is not only a historical memory, but a living testimony of transformation — from darkness to light, from suffering to renewal.
