The Armenian Church styles her Sourp Asdvadzadzin: the “Holy Mother-of-God”—an almost cosmic title which has elicited reverent love from generations of Armenian Christians, and is honored in the name of many of our churches. In more common parlance she is St. Mary: the girl of humble piety who carried the Hope of the world within her body, and delivered Him as a baby in Bethlehem.
This Sunday marks the Feast of the Conception of the Holy Virgin Mary: one of a cluster of holy days on which the Armenian Church expresses its tender devotion to the mother of Jesus Christ.
She began life as the child of Sts. Joachim and Anna, a devout couple whose earnest prayer was answered with the birth of a daughter. Through her life of holiness and purity, and her graceful acceptance of the role to which God called her, Mary ranks among the pre-eminent exemplars of the Christian faith, whose birth and very conception are occasions for celebration.
The feast of her conception always falls on December 9, which this year coincides with the third Sunday of Advent. Called Hisnag in Armenian (from the word for “fifty”), Advent is the 50-day season of anticipation—physical and spiritual—leading to the Nativity of our Lord. It is a time to orient our actions, thoughts, and prayers to the miracle of His birth, and to rediscover God’s abundant gifts around us.
Click on the links to view a brief video about St. Mary in the Armenian Church, and to find resources for Advent. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVtMBKFUWyo&feature=youtu.be&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=31c42f10c7-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email
Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America [publicrelations=armeniandiocese.org@mail85.us1.rsgsv.net]
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