Dear Friends,

On Thursday the majority of Christians will be celebrating the birth of our blessed Lord Jesus. On the twelfth day of Christmas – January 6 – Armenian Orthodox Christians will solemnly commemorate the great feast of the birth and baptism of Christ our God. At one time all of Christendom celebrated Christmas together on January 6. However, in the west in an effort to supplant a very popular pagan feast – Saturnalia – a decision was made to move the celebration of Jesus’ birth to December 25.

In any case in the next few weeks Christians everywhere will be rejoicing in the good news – Avedis – of the birth of the Savior, the ultimate sign of God’s unmeasurable love for His creation.

In preparation for Christmas the Armenian Church calendar invites us to celebrate during this coming week the “Avak Donner,” feasts in honor of significant biblical saints.

Tuesday – Holy Prophet King David and Apostle James, the Brother of the Lord
Thursday – St. Stephen the First Deacon and First Martyr
Saturday – Holy Apostles Peter and Paul
Monday – Holy Apostle James and Evangelist John, the Sons of Thunder

As an interesting note, the Church of Rome is observing the 2,000 anniversary of the birth of St. Paul during 2008.

Through the intercession and prayers of the saints, may the Lord receive our prayers and save us. Amen.

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With prayers.
Hayr Simeon
December 21, 2008