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Nativity and Theophany
2 sermons with this topic
January 11, 2026
Unknown preacher
Within the octave of Theophany, the preacher reflects on the Gospel reading of Lazarus's death and resurrection (John 11), highlighting Christ's striking statement that he was glad he was not present to heal Lazarus before he died. The sermon connects this to God's timing—prayers may go unanswered in the moment not because they are contrary to God's will, but because God waits for the fullness of time to reveal His glory. The preacher also draws on the Nativity-period reading of the Holy Family's flight to Egypt as refugees, reminding the congregation that we too live as refugees in this world, awaiting our true home in the kingdom of heaven.
John 11:1-43; Matthew 2:13-18 (implied — Herod's massacre and flight to Egypt)
January 6, 2025
Parish priest (unnamed) and Archbishop Hovnan Derderian (Primate's message)
On the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany (January 6), the parish priest explains the Armenian Church's tradition of celebrating Christmas on January 6, tracing it to Saint Nerses Shnorhali's defense of Armenian distinctiveness. Archbishop Hovnan Derderian's Primate's message urges the faithful to walk in the light of the Lord, reflecting on renewal, spiritual values, and faithfulness in challenging times. The priest then delivers an Armenian and English sermon on the inextricable connection between Christ's birth and his baptism (Theophany), emphasizing baptism as the means of becoming members of Christ's body and inheritors of the kingdom of heaven, and urging parents not to deprive their children of baptism.
Isaiah 2:5