January 5, 2026
Christmas Eve Messages and Homily
His Holiness Karekin II (Armenian message, read by deacon); Archbishop Hovnan Derderian (English message, read by deacon); unnamed local preacher (homily)
Three homiletic addresses delivered on Christmas Eve (Theophany Eve): (1) An Armenian-language Christmas message from His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, reflecting on the Incarnation as light overcoming darkness, theosis, the persecution of the Armenian Church, and prayers for Artsakh, prisoners, and soldiers; (2) An English-language Christmas message from Archbishop Hovnan Derderian on the Nativity as an invitation to new life, spiritual preparation, and transformation in Christ; (3) A local homily on Luke 2, focusing on the forbearance modeled by the Holy Family and the shepherds, calling the faithful to hold mystery with patience rather than demanding instant clarity.
Isaiah 9:2; Ezekiel 33:11; Galatians 4:4-5; 1 Peter 2:4; Luke 2:15-19; Ephesians 4:22-24