CHRISTMAS EVE CELEBRATED AT ST. GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR ARMENIAN CHURCH IN VANCOUVER

The Armenian community gathered in joyous celebration at St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church in Vancouver to commemorate Christmas Eve, honoring the Nativity and Epiphany of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Divine Liturgy (Badarak) was solemnly celebrated by V. Rev. Fr. Hagop Yaacoubian, Coordinator of the Christian Education Department of the Armenian Prelacy of Canada.

The church choir offered a heartfelt and inspiring performance of sacred hymns, filling the church with melodies that reflected the beauty and solemnity of the occasion.

Following the Badarak, Father Hagop distributed the sacred light from the altar to the faithful, symbolizing the illumination of Christ entering the world and the hearts of believers.

The celebrations continued in the church hall, where Father Hagop led the blessing ceremony for the Nshkhar (holy bread), salt, and water—essential symbols of sustenance, purity, and renewal. These sacred items had been lovingly prepared by the church’s youth group as part of their devotion to serving God and the community.

Following the blessings, the faithfuls enjoyed a delicious fish dinner prepared by the dedicated volunteer ladies of the parish.

The event concluded with fellowship and joy, as parishioners exchanged Christmas greetings and expressed gratitude for the unity and faith that bind them together.