Western Diocese Hosts Special Livestream for Armenian Christmas

Western Diocese Hosts Special Livestream for Armenian Christmas at St. Leon Cathedral

Burbank, CA.  January 8, 2026

During the Theophany service, Archbishop Derderian proclaims Epostle as a global Missionary of the Armenian Church.

On January 6, 2026, the Western Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church hosted a meaningful live event and livestream from St. Leon Cathedral in Burbank, titled “Christ is born and revealed”. The celebration marked the Feast of the Holy Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ, a cherished tradition for Armenians worldwide.

This unique feast combines the commemoration of Jesus Christ’s birth in Bethlehem with His baptism in the Jordan River. In Armenian tradition, the day is known as Astvadzahaydnootyoon (“Revelation of God”), emphasizing the manifestation of the divine in both the Incarnation and the appearance of the Holy Trinity at Christ’s baptism, where the Father’s voice proclaimed Him as the beloved Son, and the Holy Spirit descended like a dove.

The Divine Liturgy (Badarak), sermons, and the traditional Blessing of Water ceremony highlighted themes of spiritual renewal, light overcoming darkness, and God’s revelation to humanity. Faithful gathered to exchange the joyful greeting: “Christ is born and revealed!” (Krisdos dznav yev haydnetsav!), with the response “Blessed is the revelation of Christ!” (Orhnyal eh haydnootyunun Krisdosee!).

Why January 6th instead of December 25th?

Unlike most Western Christian traditions that celebrate Christmas on December 25, the Armenian Apostolic Church observes the Nativity on January 6. This practice preserves one of the oldest Christian traditions: in the early centuries of Christianity, all churches celebrated Christ’s birth and baptism together on January 6 as a single feast of Epiphany/Theophany (“revelation of God”).

By the fourth century, the Western Church (particularly Rome) shifted the Nativity to December 25 to coincide with, and Christianize, existing pagan festivals, such as the birth of the sun god. Most Eastern churches eventually adopted this change. However, the Armenian Church, which was not under Roman influence and had no such pagan observances to counter, faithfully retained the ancient unified celebration on January 6. This enduring tradition reflects the Armenian Church’s deep commitment to early Christian liturgical roots.

The January 6 event at St. James Cathedral served as a beautiful reminder of this heritage, bringing together the community in prayer, reflection, and joy. Many parishes across the Western Diocese and beyond continue this sacred observance each year, keeping alive a timeless expression of faith.

Click To Watch Recorded Livestream.

Here are some glimpses from Armenian Theophany celebrations, capturing the liturgy: